Since 1925, United Way of Lancaster County has united donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders around a shared goal: building a stronger Lancaster County where everyone can thrive.
1925-1949:
United Way’s roots trace back to 1887, when community leaders in Denver pioneered a new approach to charitable giving by bringing people together to support local needs through a single fundraising effort.
In Lancaster County, that spirit took shape in 1925 with the creation of the Welfare Federation of Lancaster. The organization’s first campaign united 12 local agencies and raised nearly $200,000 to support community services. Over the past century, the organization has evolved into United Way of Lancaster County, continuing its mission of bringing people, resources, and solutions together to improve lives across our community.
1950-1974:
As Lancaster County grew, so did community support. In 1959, the organization celebrated its first million-dollar campaign, funding a wide range of local health and human service agencies.
The 1960s and early 1970s brought continued growth, including the move to the Janet Avenue campus and record-breaking fundraising efforts. A major milestone came in 1973 when the Community Chest and Community Council merged to become United Way, expanding the organization’s role beyond fundraising to include community planning, collaboration, and long-term impact.
1975-2000:
United Way of Lancaster County continued to grow throughout the 1970s and 1980s, expanding its network of partner agencies and surpassing major fundraising milestones, including its first $3 million campaign in 1980.
The organization broadened its impact through innovative programs, community needs assessments, volunteer initiatives, and new grant opportunities. During the 1990s, donor choice and the Annual Day of Caring strengthened community engagement, while record-breaking campaigns helped usher in a new century. By 2000, United Way had invested more than $160 million in Lancaster County, reflecting decades of generosity, collaboration, and commitment to improving lives.
2001-TODAY:
The 21st century marked a period of innovation and expanded community impact for United Way of Lancaster County. Signature initiatives launched during this time included Women United, VITA Lancaster, PA 211, Project Blueprint, and One United Lancaster—programs designed to strengthen financial stability, connect residents to critical resources, and amplify community voices.
United Way also played a key leadership role in collaborative efforts to address homelessness, improve educational outcomes, increase volunteer engagement, and advance equity across Lancaster County. During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way mobilized resources, partnerships, and emergency funding to support thousands of local residents facing unprecedented challenges.
By bringing together donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders, United Way continued to evolve from a fundraising organization into a catalyst for lasting community change.
