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About Us
 Board of Directors
Staff
Financial Accountability
History of the United Way
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The United Way concept began in Denver, CO in 1887 because four caring men - a priest, two ministers and a rabbi - began to dream of greater service to others. They envisioned an organization that would include and unify many other organizations and, in the process, strengthen each of them. The idea spread to other cities, notably Cleveland where a system for allocating campaign funds was developed. This system soon became known as the Community Chest.
The Hagerstown Community Chest was active as early as 1923 when it conducted a campaign between December 3 and December 8 collecting $35,000. By 1943, the volunteer leadership of the Community Chest incorporated the organization under a set of by-laws.
In 1957, the United Fund of Washington County was formed and served as the Community Chest’s successor organization which then disbanded in 1958. The organization changed its name in 1973 to United Way of Washington County. Now, in its 49 th year, United Way has contributed over $44,090,470 to strengthen families, nurture children, promote self-sufficiency, and sustain health and wellness for all of the citizens of Washington County.
United Way Today
United Way of Washington County is the local expression of a national and international United Way movement. United Ways across America reported raising more than $3.9 billion during the 2004-05 Campaign to invest in health and human services in their communities. In 2005, your local United Way raised $1,649,569 to fund programs in 20 partner agencies.
Although United Way of Washington County is a member of United Way of America, it is an independent organization run by its own Board of Directors. United Way is now, and has always been, a “grass-roots” volunteer-driven organization. More than 250 volunteers plan, establish policy, review and approve financial reports, admit new member agencies, establish agency funding needs, raise funds, allocate resources and participate in every aspect of United Way.
United Way of America is a national organization set up to provide diverse and skilled staff service to its nearly 1,400 member organizations in every phase of local United Way operation. Expertise is available in general areas like campaigning, budgeting, planning, and communications, as well as in specific areas, such as setting up an accounting system. United Way of America also secures national publicity for local United Way’s under a national theme, enhancing local identification through widely used slogans and symbols. This year, the United Way of Washington County paid one percent (1%) of its campaign achievement to United Way of America in membership dues.
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