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The United Way of Manatee County, Inc. began as the Community War Chest on September 2, 1943, by the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton. While in the midst of World War II, local leaders had become concerned about the disruption the war was having on our community’s family life. To address the needs of our community, the Community War Chest’s first fund drive raised $28,000.
Post WWII interest concentrated on youth and welfare needs, and in 1948, the organization was renamed the Community Chest of Manatee. The fund drive raised $32,352 that year.
In the spring of 1960, the organization was renamed the United Appeal of Manatee County, and its first Executive Director was hired. Charitable fundraising took an organized approach, and, in 1960, the campaign raised $125,369.
The organization officially became a county-wide effort in August 1961, when the Anna Maria Island Community Chest agreed to join the United Appeal of Manatee County.
In 1964, the United Fund replaced the United Appeal, and the funds raised that year increased to $142,618.
Extensive changes occurred two years later when former State Senator Ed H. Price, Jr. recommended that the United Fund include a full-time professional staff and a Board of Directors, implement committees, and use proven methods of fundraising.
In Manatee County, the decade of the 1970’s reflected charitable giving as an established community activity. Each year, fundraising goals increased and neared the half-million dollar mark by 1979. The organization was renamed the United Way of Manatee County in 1980.
In 1983, Ed Price established the Pathfinders Club for individuals who contributed $500 or more to United Way annually. During its first year of existence, the Pathfinders Club had 51 members. It has since evolved into a Leadership Giving Program that continues to be a major factor in the success of United Way of Manatee County.
Continued close ties between United Way and the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton resulted in the Kiwanis Club donating the property for the present day United Way facility in 1984. Anthony T. Rossi, founder of Tropicana and the Aurora Foundation, supported a Building Fund effort and contributed $100,000 towards construction of the United Way building. Other major contributors included the Selby Foundation, Eaton Corporation, and GTE. The new United Way facility was dedicated on May 9, 1987.
The Annual United Way Campaign continued to grow. After surpassing the $1 million mark in 1984, it exceeded $1.5 million by 1988. When a significant decline in Foundation contributions occurred in 1992, alternative sources of revenue were explored so the United Way could continue to grow and help meet our community’s human care needs.
An expansion of Special Event Fundraising and an increased emphasis on employee workplace campaigns enabled United Way to achieve substantial increases in its recent Fundraising Campaigns. By 2002, annual contributions exceeded $2.5 million dollars.
The year 2003 was great in that the United Way of Manatee County implemented its four Community Impact Areas (Strengthening Children and Families, Assisting People in Crisis, Empowering People to Independence and Enriching the Lives of Seniors). A committee of community leaders and volunteers were surveyed and focus groups were conducted to help define the community’s needs. This committee also looked at the past designations of pledges and saw that these four community groups would help focus resources on direct community needs.
The United Way of Manatee County continued to grow its community impact in 2004 with the development of the Women’s Leadership Initiative. This is a unique opportunity for all women in the community to invest their time, talents, and treasures to better their community, through education, advocacy, leadership and mentorship.
The United Way of Manatee County has come a long way in their history in providing the community with the services and programs which allow the citizens of Manatee County the opportunity to better their lives. We look forward to what the future may hold for the United Way of Manatee County and the people’s lives we touch. | 
