For more than 70 years, the United Way of Greater Topeka has been saving and changing lives. In the 1930s, a local Community Chest was founded to solve problems associated with the Great Depression and dust bowl days. Through numerous recessions, in times of peace and times of war, and providing comfort to victims of the 1951 flood, the organization was eventually named the Topeka United Funds, Inc. in 1958. The 1960s brought increased government funding for non-profit organizations and a new emphasis on workplace giving. The famous 1966 tornado that ripped Topeka apart gave United Way a monumental challenge in helping people piece their lives back together. In 1975, to more accurately reflect its service area, the organization underwent another name change to what it remains today, the United Way of Greater Topeka. Addressing the evolving health needs, including tuberculosis, AIDS, or the ongoing problems of homelessness, hunger and despair, United Way has been there as a vital community resource.

"The United Way here is a problem solver, plain and simple...You name a community need, and the United Way most likely has its fingerprints all over the solution. From disaster aid to substance abuse treatment to hunger, mental illness, poverty and abuse and neglect of women and children, the United Way is touching lives in a loving and professional way every day." -   Topeka Capital-Journal, March 22, 2001

Mission statement

Increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another by uniting diverse elements in an area-wide effort to plan, support, deliver and monitor effective human service programs that are responsive to current community needs.

The inclusion of any organization or person in this database does not constitute a representation, warranty, or endorsement with respect to the competence, suitability, or reliability of such organization or person by United Way of Greater Topeka; nor does United Way of Greater Topeka sponsor or endorse any third-party web site. Legal Notices