HISTORY OF UNITED WAY OF OLMSTED COUNTY

United Way of Olmsted County began as the Community Chest of Rochester, which was organized at a joint meeting of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at the Arthur Hotel on October 29, 1925. The first campaign raised $26,727. Funds were allocated to the Boy Scouts of America, Gamehaven Council, Civic League Day Nursery, American Red Cross, YWCA, The Salvation Army, Rochester Athletic Association and the Rochester City Band. 

The stated purpose of the Community Chest was "to seek to harmonize the efforts of civic, charitable and philanthropic organizations for the sake of civic unity and greater efficiency."

 In May of 1962 the Community Chest reorganized and changed its name to the United Fund of Greater Rochester. Its first campaign produced  $68,307. Nearly ten years later on February 15, 1972 the membership unanimously adopted the name of United Way of Olmsted County, Inc.

Now past its seventy-fifth year, United Way of Olmsted County has a legacy of prominence and leadership in civic affairs. Currently, over 30 participating and contract agencies are affiliated with this United Way. Beyond these relationships, the United Way provides grants for new programs to meet emerging needs (Venture Grants), as well as grants for collaborative solutions to community-wide issues (Community Solutions Grants).

Beyond fund raising and fund distribution, The United Way of Olmsted County has established a year-round presence in the community. The United Way focuses on complex, community problems that require on-going collaboration and partnerships with local businesses, governments, schools, law enforcement, and health and human service organizations. The challenge for the coming decade and beyond is to develop more systemic solutions to multi-dimensional problems facing our community.

In January 2004, CommunityNet merged with United Way of Olmsted County.