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100th Anniversary
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100th Anniversary

We’re turning 100!

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is proud to celebrate 100 years of building a better, stronger future to help communities thrive.

Thank you to our amazing donors, volunteers, and partners who have continued to invest in opportunities throughout the communities we serve.

A history of helping 

  • 1887: The first United Way campaign launched in Denver, CO, benefiting 10 health and welfare agencies 

  • 1921: Our region’s first United Way was formed, bringing together people and resources across the community   

  • 2000: United Way joined forces to establish 2-1-1, a free hotline that helps millions of people find resources, 24-7
  • 2010: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) was established to provide free tax services to those in need
  • 2012: The Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund was formed in partnership with area United Way’s to meet the needs of recovering communities 
  • 2017: Local United Way’s merged to form United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

  • 2020: In response to Covid-19, the PHL Covid-19 Fund was formed and gave over $18M to help nonprofit partners on the frontlines

  • 2021: Milestone reached of 100 years serving the community with a focus to continue advancing poverty-fighting efforts into the future 

Together, we can make a difference

How will you help build the next 100 years? 

Joining the fight against poverty means strengthening our community for the long term. There are many ways that you can get involved. 

For more information on event and sponsorship opportunities, contact

Stronger Together

Philadelphia Citizen: Harvard Prof Raj Chetty, United Way’s Bill Golderer – Investing In Poverty Reduction

April 19, 2022

Over the years, the Reverend Bill Golderer has launched several social enterprises in Philadelphia, including homeless services organization Broad Street Ministry—something, Golderer says, for which...

United Way and Glenmede: Celebrating a Partnership of Shared Values

April 12, 2022

Anniversaries are a wonderful time to celebrate, and we are so excited to have Glenmede join us in commemorating 100 years of impact. We are...

You’re Invited! A message from our Board Chair, John Salveson

April 12, 2022

Dear Friends, As Board Chair of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, I would like to personally invite you to attend United Way’s...