The beginning
United Way Glenelg — Key Milestones
1997
Employees at Portland Aluminium organised a “Crop a Crew” fundraiser to purchase satellite television for the children’s ward at Portland District Health. The success of the event sparked interest in ongoing community fundraising and introduced the United Way concept to the Glenelg region.
1999
Following strong local support and community effort, United Way Glenelg was officially established. The organisation adopted the proven United Way model, which had been operating successfully in Geelong since 1954, to raise and distribute funds in line with donor intentions.
Early years
Fundraising was generated almost entirely through workplace giving programs. Over time this approach evolved, with the organisation developing a broader and more sustainable income base through grants, investment income and strategic partnerships.
2000
The first community grants were distributed, totalling $5,400. Funding supported:
• Disabled basketball program — $1,400
• Heywood Youth Project — $2,000
• Samaritan Fund — $2,000
Lewis Court Fund
Lewis Court Aged Care Facility served the community well for many years. Following the development of a new state-of-the-art residential aged care home nearby, the site was no longer viable for its original purpose. After extensive community consultation, the property was sold to Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Inc. United Way Glenelg was entrusted with stewardship of the proceeds from the sale to ensure the funds continued to benefit the local community.
United Way Worldwide
United Way Glenelg is proud to be one of nearly 1800 United Ways in more than 40 countries and territories around the world.
On October 16, 1887, in Denver, Colorado, a woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi came together with a simple goal: to make their community a better place for everyone through cooperative action. Calling themselves the “Charity Organisation Society,” they planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign to support more than 20 local health and welfare agencies. That first fundraising campaign raised $21,700 (over $700,000 in today’s dollars) and ignited a movement that would become known as “Community Chest,” “United Fund,” and, by 1970, United Way.
More than 135 years later – true to our founding spirit – whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. Like our founders, we take a cooperative approach to tackling the toughest challenges, actively listening and responding to local needs through the power of partnerships and collective action. And today, our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can thrive. Join us!