Central Minnesota Strong Since 1967
Long before the name United Way existed, community leaders recognized that lasting change happens when people work together.
In 1887, a local woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi in Denver, Colorado came together with a simple but powerful idea: by combining resources and coordinating efforts, they could better support people in need. Their collaboration became the foundation of what is now United Way, a global network that has been bringing communities together for more than 135 years.
That same spirit of partnership took root in Central Minnesota in 1967 when local volunteers launched United Fund: St. Cloud Area. Focused on supporting 15 local agencies, the organization's first community campaign raised more than $250,000, a remarkable achievement that demonstrated the generosity and commitment of the region.
What began as a volunteer-led fundraising effort quickly grew into something larger. Community members embraced the idea that we can accomplish more when we work together than when we work alone. As support increased throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, so did the organization's reach, expanding beyond St. Cloud to serve neighboring communities across Central Minnesota.
In 2000, the organization officially became United Way of Central Minnesota, reflecting both its growing service area and its broader role in addressing community challenges.
Today, United Way of Central Minnesota serves communities across Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, and Wright counties. While our work has evolved over the decades, our purpose remains the same: bringing people, resources, and solutions together to create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
Through a focus on Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community, and Community Resiliency, we work alongside donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to address immediate needs while creating lasting change.
For nearly six decades, Central Minnesotans have demonstrated what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision. United Way of Central Minnesota is proud to be part of that story, and we're just getting started.