Bringing people together to advance the common good

United Way was built on the belief that together, we can accomplish more than any individual or organization can alone. We’re bringing together the hearts, hands and minds of our region to make Southwest Alabama the best place in the country for individuals and families to live and prosper.

The United Way of Southwest Alabama has been a part of the community for over 82 years. Over these many years, the role of United Way has continued to evolve to meet the challenges of the times. As United Way itself has changed, so has United Way changed the community.

We help and collaborate with local nonprofit agencies, providing financial, volunteer and advocacy support. We also advocate for social issues, convene community leaders from across all sectors to solve local human services problems, provide volunteers for a myriad of local projects, study and address long-term solutions to emerging social challenges, and we raise funds through workplace campaigns and individual donors. Throughout our history, however, our core focus has remained a simple and timeless goal: to strengthen our community and improve lives in Southwest Alabama.

United Way of Southwest Alabama is a locally run chapter of the United Way of America umbrella organization. Each United Way operates independently and is locally governed. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees our strategic direction and steers our financial decisions.

Mission:

Lead resource development and collaboration through partnership with agencies and the community so that we strengthen our community and improve lives.

History and Legacy

United Way began more than 100 years ago when four clergymen and a community volunteer orchestrated one community-wide fundraising drive in Denver, Colorado. There are now more than 2,000 locally governed United Ways across the United States.

United Way of Southwest Alabama began in 1926. It was formally organized as the Community Chest of Mobile, holding its first united campaign on behalf of 22 health and human service agencies in 1927 and raising nearly $200,000. Of the original 22 agencies, 10 are still supported by the United Way. The Community Chest became the United Fund of Mobile County in 1954, and in 1991, became known as United Way of Southwest Alabama after a merger with Washington County in 1980 and Clarke County in 1990.