History of United Way Collier County
In 1957, the United Way of Collier County was formed in the City of Naples in 1957 as the Greater Naples United Fund. Its first campaign kicked off on February 22nd of that year, with a campaign goal of $22,891.00 to serve American Red Cross, Naples Welfare Association, Mental Health Association, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army and USO.
In 1965, the organization’s name changed to the United Fund of Collier County, Inc. The final name change took place in 1981 when the organization became the United Way of Collier County.
Campaign statistics for over forty years demonstrate the United Way’s continued growth, adding many member agencies attracting not only new donors but outstanding members of our community to the organization’s key leadership roles as well.
The future success and growth of our United Way depends on our ability to broaden our base of support in the community and to enlist the support of more volunteers to help cultivate a higher awareness among everyone in Collier County.
As our community continues to grow, so will the United Way be required to grow. We must, if we are to continue providing the resources to meet the needs of those in need of a “hand up” rather than a “handout.”