We believe these areas are the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. You're invited to be a part of the change. You can give, you can advocate and you can volunteer. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.
To improve the quality of life in our community for individuals and families.
United Way of Story County is a strategic leader in building countywide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support, and evaluate effective human services, especially in the areas of health, education, and financial stability for our diverse community.
United Way of Story County was incorporated in 1953 as the Ames United Fund, Inc. but was commonly referred to as the Ames Community Chest. The first annual campaigns were conducted by volunteers who went door-to-door asking for donations. Area citizens who were interested in donating turned on their porch lights so the volunteers would know they should stop. The first goal was $27,925 and the actual amount donated was $38,864.
In 1985, Ames United became a county-wide organization and officially changed its name to United Way of Story County.
In 2008, Iowa United Ways formed a state organization, United Ways of Iowa, to enhance collaboration efforts, particularly in the area of public policy.
The community saw the first $1 million campaign in 2002. The first $2 million campaign was accomplished in 2014, a true testament to the continued generosity of Story County.
In more recent years, United Way's work has evolved. The campaign is still as important as ever to partner agencies who receive significant funding for program support through the ASSET process. Beyond that, United Way of Story County is now more adept at responding to the ever-changing landscape of needs through grant funding and leading conversations in high need areas. United Way focuses on building collaborations to address community-wide problems, measuring outcomes for community impact and bringing new solutions and pilot projects to our communities.
American Cancer Society
Boy Scouts
Camp Fire Girls
College YWCA
Community Christmas Baskets
Girl Scouts
Women's Club School Health Program
YMCA
G. Roger Alley
Mrs. H.W. Black
Richard K. Bliss
Ray Donels
Norman P. Dunlap
Dr. Joe G. Fellows
Mortimer Goodwin
Harold O. Hegland
M.D. Helser
John L. Holmes
Earl Holtz
B.D. Houck
Harry R. McPhail
Hollis J. Nordyke
Rev. Robert W. Pinnell
Mrs. Wm. Schrampfer
Stuart N. Smith
Don S. Stevens
Marshall Townsend
P.J. Walter
Kenneth Wells