We unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives across Story County, working toward our vision of a connected and thriving community.
Since 1953, United Way of Story County (UWSC) has been a trusted leader and convener, mobilizing our community to create lasting change. We believe transformation happens when neighbors, businesses, nonprofits, and volunteers unite around shared goals.
A connected and thriving Story County.
Unite people, ideas, and resources to transform lives in Story County.
We act as a leader, investor, and catalyst. By focusing on three strategic pillars, we tackle the root causes of local challenges:
Uniting our community to ensure every person in Story County has the opportunity to thrive.
Uniting our community to ensure every person in Story County has the opportunity to thrive.
Uniting our community to ensure every person in Story County has the opportunity to thrive.
The organization was incorporated in 1953 as the Ames United Fund, Inc. (the “Ames Community Chest”). In those early days, volunteers walked door-to-door, visiting homes where neighbors left their porch lights on as a signal they were ready to give.
First campaign raises $38,864, smashing the original $27k goal.
Expanded to a county-wide organization and renamed United Way of Story County.
Reached the first $1 million campaign milestone.
Helped form United Ways of Iowa to improve state-wide public policy and collaboration.
Reached the first $2 million campaign milestone.
In more recent years, United Way’s work has evolved. The campaign is still as important as ever to partner agencies who receive significant funding for program support through the ASSET process. Beyond that, United Way of Story County is now more adept at responding to the ever-changing landscape of needs through grant funding and leading conversations in high need areas. United Way focuses on building collaborations to address community-wide problems, measuring outcomes for community impact and bringing new solutions and pilot projects to our communities.
G. Roger Alley
Mrs. H.W. Black
Richard K. Bliss
Ray Donels
Norman P. Dunlap
Dr. Joe G. Fellows
Mortimer Goodwin
Harold O. Hegland
M.D. Helser
John L. Holmes
Earl Holtz
B.D. Houck
Harry R. McPhail
Hollis J. Nordyke
Rev. Robert W. Pinnell
Mrs. Wm. Schrampfer
Stuart N. Smith
Don S. Stevens
Marshall Townsend
P.J. Walter
Kenneth Wells
American Cancer Society
Boy Scouts
Camp Fire Girls
College YWCA
Community Christmas Baskets
Girl Scouts
Women’s Club School Health Program
YMCA
