Non Profit Spotlight: United Way of Greater Kansas City

4801 Main Street, Suite 425
Kansas City, MO 64112
https://unitedwaygkc.org/

Year founded:

United Way was founded in 1887 in Denver, Colorado! Previously, we have been known as Community Chest and United Fund, until 1970 when we took the name United Way. Locally, United Way of Greater Kansas City was established in 1922.

Tell us about the mission of your non-profit:

United Way of Greater Kansas City’s mission is to mobilize people and resources to improve health, enhance youth opportunity, foster financial security and create community resiliency so that all have the ability to thrive. We do this by investing in the high impact nonprofits and programs addressing community need in our six-county service area, and by engineering real-time solutions to our community’s most pressing challenges in collaboration with the public, private and philanthropic sectors. This includes operating 211, our community’s 24/7 resource and referral service, which responded to 476,691 contacts in 2024. Every year, 1 in 3 Kansas Citians find help through United Way, and we continue to develop new and innovative ways to connect our community to the services, support and resources people need.

What's a recent success story or milestone you're proud of?

211 is United Way’s 24/7 resource and referral program, answering our community’s call for help. Each month, we highlight some of the practical ways 211 Community Resource Navigators provide valuable assistance to those reaching out, who simply didn’t know where else to turn for support. Read more about some of their recent efforts here.

What do you love most about being part of the Chamber?

We love having the space for our team to connect, learn, and grow with people around the community. Being part of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber has been a great opportunity to create new partnerships that are impacting the community!

How can our Chambers best support and be involved with your non-profit?

We're all better when working together! There truly is a way for everyone to become involved with United Way. We encourage everyone to consider ways to give back, get involved or take action - whether that’s through financial giving, attending our events, volunteering in the community, or advocating for a brighter future. Together, we can create a Kansas City where everyone has opportunities to thrive.