History
Our History
Today, United Way of Greater Rochester continues to be a leader among United Ways, setting a standard for fundraising, and investing dollars where they’re needed most. United Way of Greater Rochester invests funds in programs that demonstrate measurable results for people who need help, and the community as a whole.
The name may have changed over the years, but the fundamental mission remains the same: we are an organization of donors committed to making our community a better place to live.
1918—The Early Days
The year was 1918. The “War to End All Wars” had been raging in Europe for four long years, and American was one year into its involvement. In greater Rochester, dozens of social service and war agencies conducted separate fundraising appeals to provide much-needed help, especially to soldiers and their families.
1918—Making History
But, history was made on one evening in 1918, at the home of George Eastman. Rochester’s civic, religious, and business leaders gathered to discuss launching a single large-scale campaign to combine the appeals of many war agencies.
1918-1930s—Unified Fundraising Appeal
And so, the Rochester Patriotic and Community Fund, Inc.—or the War Chest was born.
1920s-1930s—Community Chest
Even after World War I, the idea of a unified fundraising appeal took hold. With a new name “Community Chest” it continued to thrive.
1945—World War II
With World War II, needs increased again. The peacetime Community Chest became the Rochester Community and War Chest. It expanded its base of support to include people in all Monroe County towns and villages, reflecting expansion of services to people throughout the county.
1950s-1960s—Community Chest Thrives
After World War II ended, business showed an ever-increasing role in this appeal. Between 1946 and 1970 the campaign missed its goal just once.
1970s—United Community Chest of Greater Rochester
In 1973, the Community Chest was renamed United Community Chest of Greater Rochester, reflecting a merger of the old Chest, which raised and allocated funds, with the Council of Social Agencies, which studied community needs.
1980s—United Way of Greater Rochester
In 1980, the organization changed its name to United Way of Greater Rochester to be consistent with the national United Way movement.
Today—United Way Gets Results
Today, United Way of Greater Rochester continues to be a leader among United Ways, setting a standard for fundraising, and investing dollars where they’re needed most. United Way of Greater Rochester invests funds in programs that demonstrate measurable results for people who need help, and the community as a whole.
The name may have changed over the years, but the fundamental mission remains the same: we are an organization of donors committed to making our community a better place to live.