Our Origin Story
Sometimes a Monday is more than just a Monday. Sometimes a Monday can be revolutionary. That was the case in Greenville 100 years ago when on Monday, April
A Century of Service
One hundred years ago, on April 24, 1922, the first united fundraising campaign for a collection of local charities was launched, sparking a century of service in Greenville County.
Back then, we were called the “Community Fund” and the mission was simply to provide a central, convenient way for members of the community to give back and support our neighbors. As Greenville County has grown and evolved over the last century, so have we.
From the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic and every day in between, United Way has been there for Greenville County, harnessing the collective generosity of this community to help those in need, and constantly innovating to rise to the needs of the day.
Today our focus is centered on improving economic mobility and making sure everyone who lives here can share in the success of our community.
We are deeply appreciative of our donors and volunteers, past and present, who have played an integral role in shaping our history and impact. Without you, none of our work is possible.
Our History: A Timeline
The Greenville Community Fund is Born
Greenville County establishes the Greenville Community Fund which raises $82,000 in five days. Prior to World War II, the organization becomes known as the Community Chest of Greater Greenville.
The Community Planning Council of Greenville County is Formed
The Community Planning Council (CPC) conducts community research, needs assessments, program development and public policy advocacy. The CPC proves to be a valuable collaborator for the Community Chest of Greater Greenville, spending decades as a funded partner until 1980.
The United Fund of Greenville County Combines Multiple Local Organizations
The Community Chest of Greater Greenville evolves into a county-wide organization and adopts a new name: The United Fund of Greenville County. Under the United Fund, multiple agencies combine their fund raising and volunteer manpower in an effort to scale work and stretch the donor dollar for maximum impact. The inaugural United Fund campaign of 1955 doubles the previous Community Chest campaign.
The United Way Name is Adopted by the National Association
The national association that encompasses Community Chest, United Fund, Red Feather, etc., decides that the diversity of names is impeding the effectiveness of the fundraising movement. It changes its name to United Way of America, encouraging local groups to adopt the same name.
It's Official: United Way of Greenville County
The United Fund of Greenville County officially adopts the name United Way of Greenville County — and it sticks!
The Community Planning Council Merges with United Way of Greenville County
United Way of Greenville County and the Community Planning Council (CPC) of Greenville County consolidate their staffs to form closer ties with their work and leadership. This new union blends successful annual fund raising and allocation with the CPC’s community research expertise.
A New Funding System is Developed
The United Way Board of Trustees approves the implementation of a new planning and funding system, bringing significant change to measuring impact and accountability. A new Community Impact System is established in 2004 with five focus areas: Nurturing young children, helping youth succeed, strengthening families and neighborhoods, building a healthy community, and caring for neighbors in crisis.
A Century of Service in Greenville County
We’ve come a long way in the century since the Greenville Community Fund was formed. Today, United Way of Greenville County invests over $12 million annually into our community, helping more than 35,000 of our neighbors each year. United Way programs like OnTrack Greenville and VITA serve local families and individuals directly. And we’re continuing to evolve our work to build a Greenville County where all people have access to the opportunities to achieve their full potential.
100 years | 100 Stories
In celebration of our 100th anniversary, we’re sharing 100 stories throughout the year including profiles of people we’ve helped, key figures in our history, United Way partners, and the donors and volunteers who change lives with their support.
John W. Arrington, Founding Father of United Way
If there was a Mount Rushmore of United Way of Greenville County, textile pioneer John White Arrington would be the first face carved. Born in Warrenton, N.C., in
Centennial Stories: Catching Up With Mackenzie and Family
Eleven years after first meeting Mackenzie and her family in the 2011 United Way campaign video, she continues to inspire. Born prematurely at just over 2 lbs., Mackenzie’s
My United Way Story: Donnice Wilkerson
I am proud to be a volunteer and donor to United Way because each of us play a role in improving the economic mobility of residents in Greenville
My United Way Story: Dr. Saria Saccocio
When I moved to Greenville eight years ago and was introduced to the value of United Way of Greenville County by Emma Barksdale, my eyes were opened to
From the Archives: United Fund’s 1969 Film
Long before the advent of our YouTube channel or even VHS cassettes, United Way was using the power of motion pictures to make a case for support in
Share Your United Way Story
Join the celebration and share your United Way story below!
What type of stories are we looking for?
- People who have had their lives changed by United Way programs and initiatives
- United Way donors and volunteers
- Community organizations and businesses who partner with us
By completing the form below, you agree to give permission to United Way of Greenville County to publish your story and any photos or videos you submit.
GIVE TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE
The success and growth we’ve seen in Greenville County is not something that happened overnight. Generations of generous community members and civic leaders laid the foundation.
Now, it’s our turn to shape the future.
While some areas of Greenville County continue to boom, many others are struggling. Growing disparities across the board in education, income, housing and healthcare are preventing far too many people from reaching their full potential. We must do better. For all of us.
At this pivotal moment, we ask you to join us and help shape the kind of community we will be for the next 20, 50 and 100 years – one where a child’s future isn’t determined by the neighborhood in which they grow up. One where all people have access to the opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Make a gift of $100 or more via this special campaign to be recognized as a member of our Centennial Circle.