The organisation traces its origins back to a joint fundraising effort by a Denver clergyman in 1887 that brought in $21,700. United Way of America was then created to lead the United Way movement in making a measurable impact in every community within which it works.

Since then, United Way reached $1 billion of contributions in 1975, took nine years to hit $2 billion and just six years to top $3 billion in 1990. Over 120 years in existence, United Way is still focused on mobilising the caring power of communities and making a measurable impact in every community in America.

By 1974, there were already a number of non-American United Ways and Community Chests performing good deeds around the world, but there was no collective effort. The United Way model was, therefore, introduced to establish standards, stimulate collaboration, forge partnerships and mobilise resources. This is when United Way Worldwide  came into existence.