User:Jsprague/United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is a nonprofit organization that has been raising resources to meet human care needs in central and northeastern Connecticut since 1924. It is is the largest of the 16 United Ways in Connecticut and second largest in New England, and it is one of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories.

The mission of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is to engage people to improve lives and change community conditions.

The United Way Community Campaign
The annual United Way Community Campaign provides the opportunity for people in central and northeastern Connecticut to support the causes and nonprofit organizations important to them. Through United Way Community Investment, donors’ gifts are invested in programs to ensure success for children, strong and healthy families, and a safety net of services for anyone in our communities who is in need. Programs funded through Community Investment are researched and monitored by experienced volunteers to be certain that they maintain the highest levels of governance and financial accountability. In 2009, more than 61,000 individuals and organizations raised more than $25.7 million.

The United Way Community Campaign is a partnership of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and Community Health Charities of New England that supports health and human service programs in our communities.

The United Way Community Campaign had administrative and fund-raising expenses of 11.5% in fiscal year 2008. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance considers up to 35% acceptable for administrative and fund-raising expenses.

History of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
United Way began serving Hartford in 1924 as the Hartford Community Chest. As the region grew into the suburbs the organization changed in 1943 to Greater Hartford Community Chest serving Hartford, East Hartford, West Hartford, Bloomfield, Newington, Wethersfield and Windsor. During this time United Funds or Community Chests were formed in Farmington, Simsbury, Vernon (Tri-Town), Manchester, New Britain, Enfield and Windham.

In 1973, following a national movement to use a consistent name, the Greater Hartford Community Chest became the United Way of Greater Hartford. In 1979 the organization became United Way of the Capital Area (UWCA). By this time, other United Way organizations in the 40-town region either merged into the UWCA or entered into affiliate agreements with UWCA for fundraising and administrative efficiencies while maintaining independent corporate status.

In June 2008, the Board of Directors of United Way of the Capital Area officially adopted the new name, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. This name symbolizes a united 40-town service region and new governance structure to support it. In 2008, several local independent United Ways previously affiliated with United Way of the Capital Area began voting to dissolve or began considering dissolution of their independent corporate status to come under one governing body that is better equipped to deal with the increasing demands of accountability and resource distribution. Local regional advisory boards will continue to work in the local communities including the Windham region, New Britain, Berlin, Avon, Canton, and Greater Enfield. Each region will do business under a local regional geographic identifier.

Historical Timeline for United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
1924   Hartford Community Chest forms to fund 24 agencies and raises $381,732.

1943   Hartford Community Chest changes its name to Greater Hartford Community Chest. Service areas include Hartford, East       Hartford, West Hartford, Bloomfield, Newington, Wethersfield and Windsor.

1970   United Ways national association reorganizes under the name United Way of America.

1973   Greater Hartford Chest changes its name to The United Way of Greater Hartford.

1979   The United Way of Greater Hartford changes its name to United Way of the Capital Area.

2008   United Way of the Capital Area changes its name to United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.