United Way of Greater Toledo works to make life better for people in Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties.
We focus on the basic needs that help families thrive—things like access to support, stability, and opportunity. By using data, listening to our community, and working with local partners, we take on tough issues and build lasting solutions.
When you give back, get involved, and take action with United Way, you help create a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
To unite the power of community to improve lives
To be a trusted community hub that leverages human, data, and financial resources to tackle social issues that no single donor, nonprofit, or government agency can solve alone.
The only way we can thrive as a community is by coming together to support those in need—because collective progress begins with shared responsibility, regardless if the shared responsibility comes in a monetary donation or a donation of our time.
United Way of Greater Toledo strives to ensure that we are meeting the needs of individuals across Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
We cannot truly “Live United” until we fervently advocate for BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ people and other marginalized communities. United Way examines and addresses the systems, institutions, and policies that have caused and perpetuated racial and socioeconomic disparities, specifically in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Housing.
This includes acknowledging the role that philanthropy plays in upholding such structures. When individuals of all ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and gender/sexual identities can live and participate in functions of life without fear, then, and only then, can we “Live United”.
United Way of Greater Toledo has a rich history rooted in community support and collaboration, beginning in 1918 as the Toledo War Chest, established to raise funds for World War I relief efforts. Over the decades, the organization evolved, expanding its reach and impact across Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties.
Adopting the national United Way name and launching key initiatives like the United Way 211 service, which connects individuals to vital health and human services, United Way has consistently tackled the region’s most pressing social issues.
In the late 2010s, United Way began placing a stronger emphasis on data, adopting the collective impact strategy and results-based accountability methodology to drive more effective outcomes. The organization also committed to making more equitable funding decisions by involving people with lived experiences in the decision-making process, ensuring that the voices of those directly impacted are heard and valued.
In Lucas County, United Way of Greater Toledo focuses on helping families thrive by investing in education, financial stability, health, and housing. We support programs that help kids succeed in school, families build financial security, and individuals access food, mental health care, and safe housing. Guided by community input and data, we work with local partners to meet urgent needs and drive long-term change.
In partnership with the Greater Grace Christian Church, United Way helps deliver free food boxes to Lucas County residents who lack reliable transportation.
United Way 211 is a vital support system that United Way leverages to connect community members with their most pressing needs and gain an understanding of the needs of our community. By offering free, confidential access to thousands of local resources, 211 not only helps individuals in real time—it also provides critical data that informs advocacy efforts, guides investments, and strengthens our collective impact.
United Way works closely with local partners and the Ottawa County Advisory Committee to understand the most pressing needs in the community. Based on local data and feedback, we’ve chosen to focus our efforts in Ottawa County on health and financial stability—areas with the greatest need and opportunity for impact.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a program that provides free books to children between the ages of 0-5. Click here to register your child!
Every summer, thousands of rubber ducks take to the water for our Incredible Rubber Duck Race, all to support our program partners in Ottawa County! Don’t miss the fun—follow us on Facebook or join our mailing list to get the latest updates on our next big splash!
In Wood County, United Way works to ensure families have the essentials they need to thrive. We invest in programs that help children succeed in school, support families in becoming financially stable, and improve access to healthcare and safe housing. These focus areas are shaped by data and feedback from local partners who understand the needs of our community firsthand.
In partnership with the Brown Bag Food Project, United Way helps deliver free groceries to Wood County residents who lack reliable transportation.
The Chocolate Crawl is our biggest fundraiser for our Wood County programs! Taking place on Main St. in Downtown Bowling Green during the spring, attendees sample chocolate treats from 20+ local businesses.
