Our Mission
United Way for Greater Austin brings our community together to break economic barriers and build opportunity for all.
Our Vision
A Central Texas where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our History
Since 1924, United Way has been a powerful force for good and a critical part of the fabric of Austin. For 100 years, we have been dedicated to providing families and individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive. The needs in our Greater Austin area have changed over time, so we’ve adapted our support to stay ahead of emerging needs and help as many people as possible. What hasn’t changed? Our belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive and our passion for solving our community’s biggest challenges.
Something special happens when we Live United. When we work together to build a stronger community, we are sparking a movement bigger than anything we can do alone.
1924
Founding of United Way
for Greater Austin
Originally called United Way Capital Area
1932
Unemployment reaches 25%, United Way responds to the community’s need for resources
We help more than 10,000 individuals and families access food and resources and help children and the elderly find safe homes
1952
United Way pledges to keep all funds raised local
When you donate, your dollars stay here to make a sustainable impact
1959
1973
1979
1987
1988
United Way assesses the community’s needs to solve the biggest challenges in the region, including access to essential resources like education, employment, housing, and child care
1993
United Way mobilizes 560 volunteers across the region to do hands-on volunteer work at our first “Day of Caring”
1996
United Way opens “first call for help” helpline
Today the helpline is known as our Navigation Center, where anyone can dial 2-1-1 to reach a free, confidential, and multilingual resource hub 24/7
2002
Helpline changes its name to 2-1-1, and becomes the first 2-1-1 center in Texas
2012
The “You’re My Butter Half” mural is created on the United Way building
The mural is our love letter to the Austin community
2012
The organization changes its name from United Way Capital Area to United Way for Greater Austin
To better reflect our long history and ties to the Austin community
2012
United Way publishes the first iteration of the “School Readiness Action Plan”
Our goal: To ensure every child enters Kindergarten ready to succeed in school and beyond
2018
United Way launches Family Connects in Austin/Travis County, in partnership with Austin Public Health
The program provides nurse home visits to every family with a newborn, to give babies the best possible start in life
2018
United Way convenes 200 stakeholders to create the first community-wide strategic plan for 2-Gen in the nation
The “Family Opportunity Roadmap: The 2-Generation Strategic Plan for Austin/Travis County”
2020
United Way partners with Austin Community Foundation to create All Together ATX, a COVID-19 relief fund
Raised and awarded approximately $7.7 million to more than 210 local nonprofits
2021
United Way provides resources as Winter Storm Uri threatened access to basic needs, harnessing the power of our community like never before
2022
United Way of Williamson County joins forces with United Way for Greater Austin
The merger expands and deepens our impact in the Austin metro area. Learn more about United Way of Williamson County
2024
United Way develops a new strategic framework that aims to accelerate individuals’ and families’ ability to thrive by providing high-quality early care and education and essential resources for everyone in our region
The plan lays a strong foundation as we enter our next 100 years
Our Core Values
Who We Are
Careers
We break economic barriers and build opportunity for a living. As a team, we work hard, laugh a lot, and brainstorm new ways to make a meaningful difference. And we eat a lot of breakfast tacos. Join us to do some of the best work of your life.