United Way of Greater Knoxville

Today, United Way is working to bring people together to create lasting change that will improve lives in our community.

We started in 1922 as the Community Chest of Greater Knoxville.

The idea for our giving structure began in Denver, Colorado after the 1887 gold rush went bust. The idea came from local clergy members and a volunteer, who organized a citizen’s response effort to render aid to hungry and homeless individuals. Their first campaign raised $21,700, and their idea spread throughout the United States and landed in our great city in 1922. Since that time we have worked to understand local needs, mobilize volunteers, to raise awareness and money to meet community needs by granting money to programs that align with predetermined goals.

Our name changed and we evolved into United Way in 1972. The official logo and current symbol was adopted in 2004. Our focus and strategy have evolved over the last 100 years, but the goal is the same.