United Way of Central Alabama

United Way has a rich history in helping neighborhoods and communities in Central Alabama. It began as a cooperative action to address our city's human services problems.

United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. (formerly The Birmingham Community Chest) was organized in 1923 with 31 agencies and a goal of $450,000. Even in 1929, the year of the stock market crash, the goal was met as more than half a million dollars was raised-a remarkable amount, considering the economic conditions.

Today, United Way's impact has grown to over 80 programs and initiatives and a fundraising impact of more than $38 million. Throughout its history, the United Way has not changed its basic purpose-to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another and to improve their communities.