Who We Are

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 2-1-1 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 2021, United Way furthered its mission by sharing office space with SSOE Group, reducing overhead costs to allocate more resources directly to the community. This ongoing commitment to innovation, efficiency, and equity has helped United Way affirm its commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.