Since our first Community Campaign, we’ve led successful initiatives.
United Way has incubated, tested, and delivered some of the most well-known successes in Anchorage. We have more than 75 examples to showcase, and each effort succeeded because Alaskans partnered together to help improve our community. Representing different organizations and causes from 1956 until now, people collaborate under United Way’s leadership to drive initiatives that build a community where everyone can thrive.
While it’s nearly impossible to pick from so many excellent examples, we want to demonstrate what we mean. Here are five noteworthy initiatives United Way led:
1964: Advent of Anchorage’s First Charity Ball.
Now, it’s hosted by the Municipality of Anchorage as the annual Mayor’s Charity Ball.
1978: Collection of First $1 Million Dollars from Our Community Campaign
Alaskans gave $1,052,000, resulting in Anchorage having the highest per capita donor rate in the U.S. for years. Donate now.
1983: Formation of Anchorage’s First Health & Human Services Coalition
It culminated in United Way’s ability to fund local nonprofits for decades. Read our mission.
1991: Launch of Precursor to Alaska 211
Our program that provides connections to resources and services kicked off.
2002: Inauguration of The Foraker Group
After United Way trained nonprofit leaders for almost 20 years, The Foraker Group branched off to providing those services.
Beginning in the late 1950s, thousands upon thousands of Alaskans have chosen to support United Way’s work. As donors, volunteers, and partners, they’ve entrusted us to create positive community change. Because of our supporters, we solve complex challenges that are too big for any one organization to tackle alone.
Proven Oversight
Time after time, our community has counted on United Way to bring organizations and people together to address tough challenges. Thanks to you, we’re ready to answer calls when issues arise and Alaskans need help. United Way truly unites Anchorage and helps Alaskans across our state.
Federal Designations
The U.S. Congress often relies on United Way to distribute funds to Alaska. Consider our Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (1992-2002) and COVID-19 Relief assistance (2020-2022). We reliably oversee and distribute those funds when crises occur.
Local Responsibility
State and municipal departments grant us contracts and appropriate funds to us to help our community. Many Anchorage residents recall our 90 by 2020 initiative (2010-2020), which increased high school graduation rates. United Way led that effort in coordination with many partners.
Program Creation
Good ideas develop when people work together. United Way convenes leaders, experts, and everyday Alaskans to establish programs that meet real community needs. In 70 years, we’ve secured more than $325 million to improve Alaskans’ lives. What we raise gets pumped into our community.
Volunteer Engagement
United Way’s successes stem from Alaskans deciding to go above and beyond. Most people don’t realize that United Way’s first operating program was Volunteer Services. Advocacy, time, and partnership have led to hundreds of programs being developed in Anchorage and across Alaska.
Contracted Studies
Our strategic investments change with time and always respond to the needs of our community. Between 2005-2010, our Anchorage Community Assessment Project gathered important data around Alaskan’s quality of life. Our results drive actions with measurable improvements.