Skip to main content
100th Anniversary
Stronger Together
for a brighter future
Home /About/100th Anniversary

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 Elizabeth Maninfior at

Stronger Together

Stronger Together: 2021 Highlights

January 3, 2022

Like many of you, the new year brings forth a sense of renewed focus, energy, and excitement for me. As we gear up to celebrate...

OpportUNITY Summit

EVENT DATE:
Friday, April 22, 2022

inform, inspire and connect to united way’s mission to fight poverty and expand opportunity     Imagine a world where poverty doesn’t exist. What will it take to...

Holman Enterprises: A Legacy of Giving Back

November 24, 2021

New hires at Holman Enterprises quickly learn that more is expected of them than dedication to the organization. Dedication to the community – in particular...