Who We Are

United Way of South Central Tennessee is fighting for a community where every person- no matter their background, their abilities, or their zip code- has an equal chance at a bright future. We are the hand raisers, the game changers. We are the problem solvers for those issues facing our community that are difficult to face and too hard to ignore. No matter the obstacle, we surround our community’s most critical problems and we fight. We fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. Why? Because we know that change begins when we Live United, and that building a better tomorrow starts today.
 
Learn more the internal programs and initiatives United Way of South Central Tennessee offers.
 

EducationHealthFinancial Stability

 

We Have Bold Goals For Our Community

Bold Goals 2030 is a strategic vision for making our community a stronger place for everyone who calls it home. Developed by key leaders, experts and community members like you, Bold Goals 2030 outlines key strategies that will help transform our community by addressing our most pressing needs.
Together, we will make meaningful, measurable improvements in the lives of people in our community by the year 2030.

 

Staff

Get to know our staff at United Way of South Central Tennessee.

 

Board of Directors

See who is on our board of directors at United Way of South Central Tennessee.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ page for answers to frequently asked questions.

 

News

Keep up with the latest news about the United Way of South Central Tennessee.

 

History

Chartered as the "United Givers Fund" in 1956, the new organization raised $36,000 in its first year. That was four times more than the local Community Chest raised the year before in 1955. Chartering board members of UWRCC were Cecil Adams, Clyde Fite, Earle Rees, Donald Knight, Jack Weatherford, John Bragg, Hollis Donnell, Ellis Gray, Sam Lasseter, Frank Clardy, Bernard Goldstein, W.E. Landers, Q.M. Smith, J.D. Swartzbaugh, and J.J. Jewell Jr. Three of the founding board members were present to celebrate United Way's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2006.

 

In 1956, the United Way partnering agencies consisted of The Council of Social Agencies, Bradley Cafeteria, Crichlow Cafeteria, McFadden Cafeteria, United Defense Fund, Traveler's Aid, Franklin Heights Nursery, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the USO.

 

In 1982, the United Givers Fund was transformed into the United Way of Rutherford County under the leadership of Dot Harrison, the first female board chair. The organization began serving Cannon County in the early 1990s, and in 2005 the name changed to United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million. The United Way grossed $100,000 in 1968, $1 million in 1991, and $2 million in 1999. The 2013-2014 campaign reached $3.4 million. 

 

Today, the United Way of South Central Tennessee continues to meet and exceed its campaign goals. In 2023, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties expanded to serve Lincoln, Bedford, Rutherford, Cannon Counties, and in 2024, Coffee, Warren, and Moore Counties. Your local United Way takes pride in being an accountable, efficient and transparent community impact organization.