About United Way

United Way of Central Oklahoma was founded in 1924 and has a rich history of service to our community. This United Way and others across the nation are a "local" phenomenon. They were created and continue to be maintained and operated by local community leaders who come together because of many appeals competing for charitable dollars and the numerous demands for volunteer time and effort.

Each United Way is based on the concept of community and its residents having a responsibility and a desire to take care of themselves. Its primary interest is people. Its strength is people. Most important, the United Way goal is to promote the process by which citizens and local agencies may join in a community-wide effort to support the human needs of people in central Oklahoma.

The United Way is part of a heritage uniquely American. Alexis de Tocqueville wrote enthusiastically about volunteerism and the spirit of Americans to work together for the common good of mankind.
The same spirit is alive here in central Oklahoma.

Through the years, the Community Chest, as it was known then, operated and endured. Over the course of time, the organization has had several names...United Fund, United Appeal, and the United Way of the Greater Oklahoma City Area. In 1987, the name changed to United Way of Central Oklahoma and in 1991 to the United Way of Metro Oklahoma City. In 2003, the name has changed back to United Way of Central Oklahoma, better reflecting the seven county area that is served.

The United Way of Central Oklahoma consistently demonstrates flexibility and sensitivity to change by constantly evaluating services needed and the efficiency of the agencies providing those services.