Building Community. Creating Change. Strengthening Generations.
The story of the Salina Area United Way is one woven from compassion, collaboration, and the belief that together, we can accomplish far more than any one of us could alone.
The concept of a “united campaign” began long before our doors opened. In 1887, a Roman Catholic priest, two Protestant ministers, a rabbi, and a dedicated woman volunteer came together in Denver to form the Charity Organization Society, the first in the nation to unite multiple causes under one campaign. Their vision of shared fundraising, cooperation, and community care set the stage for what would become the United Way movement across America.
By 1917, that vision had spread nationwide through the War Chest campaigns, which rallied nearly 400 communities to raise over $1 million to support local and national needs. Soon after, in 1919, Rochester, New York, coined the now-familiar term “Community Chest,” representing communities coming together for a shared purpose.
As the decades passed, America’s commitment to helping neighbors grew stronger. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, united campaigns endured and by World War II, a renewed spirit of giving took hold. By 1974, united campaigns nationwide raised over $167 million, a testament to the power of community generosity.
Here in Salina, that spirit took root in 1938 when local leaders, J.J. Sullivan, C.H. Gawthrop, E.A. Morgan, F.S. Dyer, and E.W. Reed, formally incorporated the Salina Community Chest. Their mission was clear: to unite the community, prevent duplication of services, and ensure every dollar raised met the real needs of local families.
That first year, Salina rallied together to raise $31,476 for seven vital organizations: the Red Cross, YWCA, YMCA, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Welfare Board, and the Americanization Center. From those early beginnings, the movement grew steadily, reflecting Salina’s enduring belief in neighbors helping neighbors.
In 1954, the organization became the Salina United Fund, aligning with a growing network of communities across the country. Then in 1974, we proudly adopted the name United Way of Salina, uniting local efforts under a nationally recognized banner of hope. That year’s campaign raised an inspiring $327,500.
As our reach expanded beyond the city limits, we embraced our regional impact by becoming the Salina Area United Way in 1995, a name that honors the communities, families, and donors who make up our broader service area.
United by Purpose, Guided by Community
Throughout the years, our funding priorities have remained rooted in listening first. Beginning with the first community-wide needs assessment in 1990, and later through partnerships like the Alliance for a Healthy Community, we’ve used data, collaboration, and compassion to guide every decision. Publications like Community Compass (2003, 2007) and updated strategic plans have helped ensure that United Way funding reflects the evolving needs of our region.
From the early days of the Community Chest to today’s Salina Area United Way, one truth remains the same: our greatest strength is the power of unity.
Every dollar given, every hour volunteered, and every hand extended continues a tradition that began more than a century ago, a tradition of neighbors lifting neighbors, of generosity fueling hope, and of communities standing strong together.
United we’ve built our past and united, we’re shaping our future.