History

In 1965, a community volunteer began investigating the feasibility and need for a United Way in Charlotte County. Over the next year, with the encouragement of community businesses, support was rallied and in February 1966 the United Way of Charlotte County was incorporated

As a community grows, so do its needs. Every day in Charlotte County there are people living lives filled with darkness & despair. Even in the best of circumstances life can be challenging. Add a disability, personal tragedy or a job loss and it can be overwhelming.
For these people, United Way and United Way funded organizations are the lifeline making possible the programs that help them overcome adversity and take control of their lives.

It is a simple idea. Each year United Way runs a campaign. When you give through the campaign, United Way funds a network of non-profit organizations that provide critical services to those in need. These organizations are the heartbeat of the United Way system putting your dollars to work building productive lives. Each organization in which the United Way invests is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers, and submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost, and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.

Each year hundreds of volunteers donate their time to help raise money, allowing more of your donation to reach the partners funded by the United Way. With your contribution, United Way partners continue their strong commitment to serving families, senior citizens, the disabled, children, and many others. While you may not need United Way services, it’s important to know that they are available if you, your family, or friends and neighbors need them.

It is only natural to want to help when we see someone in need. But deciding the best way to do it isn’t always easy. That is why United Way makes so much sense. United Way is a local organization dedicated to leading the way in making a measurable impact in the community. It invests in the programs and services that strengthen the ability of local service providers in building a coalition around a set of community priorities and measures its success based on community impact.

First, United Way is extremely efficient and keeps overhead costs to a minimum. Second, the United Way is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. Third, trained volunteers select the organizations to be funded and then make sure donor dollars are well spent. Fourth, the money raised here in Charlotte County stays in Charlotte County to meet urgent community needs.