Past and Present
Our History
Timeline of key events in the evolution of United Way of Roanoke Valley
1924
The Community Fund organizes with 12 community agencies and W.C. Stephenson as president. The first campaign theme was Everybody Cares and Shares.
1934
Community Fund Chairman Dr. H.H. Trout announces that no general campaign would take place due to the depression.
1936
The Community Fund reactivates with 15 participating agencies and the red feather as its official symbol.
1944
A social planning division is established to set guidelines for partner agencies and to prevent duplication of services.
1957
Fundraising efforts for 26 community agencies are combined and the name is changed to United Fund of Roanoke Valley.
1964
Botetourt County added to service area with Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and Roanoke County.
1967
The first million dollar campaign occurs, with donors raising $1,110,951.
1969
Craig County added to service area.
1974
Name changes to United Way of Roanoke Valley.
1978
Campaign reaches $2 million milestone, registering at $2,010,564.
1984
Donors achieve first $3 million campaign, raising $3,012,000. Office moves from Church Avenue to Campbell Avenue.
1985
Disaster averted as volunteers & staff refuse to let office fire deter campaign. Roanoke Valley flooding brings out best in caring community.
1988
Campaign grows to $4 million level, with donations of $4,007,000, The Presidents Circle leadership society is created for donors giving $1,000 and up.
1993
First Day of Caring event held to mark campaign start. Minority Leadership Enhancement Program established.
1995
Campaign grows to $5 million, with total gifts of $5,185,177.
1997
Six million dollar campaign threshold reached.
2000
United Way begins concerted effort to help agencies transition to measuring program outcomes.
2002
United Way refreshes its mission and vision through strategic planning with community partners.
2004
New United Way logo adopted signaling a change for a new community impact focus while preserving the past.
2005
Board gauges progress as an organization through United Way Standards of Excellence.
2007
Sucess by 6 evolves to Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke and becomes part of a statewide early childhood movement .
2008
United Way supports the implementation of a online Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) that allows service providers to track clients and services; and work together to address homelessness. United Way launches FamilyWize partnership locally to help uninsured and underinured individuals access life-saving medicine.
2009
United Way begins supports innovative and collaborative projects to maxmize resources for people during a down economy. New partnerships included the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic, Grant Writer to help schools access ARRA funding, African-American Male Studies program at William Fleming High School, additional funding for basic needs; and serving as the program and fiscal agent for Smart Beginnings Greater Roanoke.
2010
United Way and Bank of America jointly funds a Safety Net Partnership through the Community Housing Resource Center. United Way moves to an online funding system through e-cimpact.
2011
United Way Board approves new direction to advance the common good and adopts new priorities in Education, Income and Health. United Way and City of Roanoke begin working on a common program funding application using e-cimpact.
