1915
United Way of Minneapolis Area was formed by local civic leaders to increase the business and public sectors' participation in social agencies.

1920
The need for social services increased following World War I and prompted a group of St. Paul civic leaders to form United Way of the St. Paul Area.

1930s
The Great Depression created a dramatic rise in the need for human services. The U.S. government began providing social services, enabling the area United Ways to shift their focus from relief to prevention.

1940s
World War II changed the community and work force. United Way came to the aid of families of servicemen by organizing salvage drives and providing nursery schools for children of working mothers.

1950s
The Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs grew rapidly due to the "baby boom." In response, area United Ways devoted more resources to youth and family services.

1960s
United Ways in Minneapolis and St. Paul responded to ethnic and social transformation by serving more communities of color and low-income individuals.

1970s
Concern for deteriorating neighborhoods in the East Metro prompted United Way of the St. Paul Area to devote 40 percent of funds to neighborhood-based services.

1980s
United Ways began funding programs instead of giving agencies a single sum of money, ensuring that donor gifts address the most critical needs. United Way of Minneapolis Area launched its first major community initiative with Success By 6™, a collaborative venture in early childhood development.

1990s
Donor concerns about accountability are addressed when both United Ways became the first charities to shift to results-based funding. For the first time, results must be demonstrated in order to receive funding.

2000s
United Ways of Minneapolis and St. Paul joined and formed Greater Twin Cities United Way on Feb. 22, 2001. The new United Way serves people living in the nine-county metro area including Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties.