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Frances Wisebart Jacobs helped establish the nation's first united campaign, benefitting 10 area health and welfare agencies in Denver, Colorado. That year, Denver raised $21,700 – roughly $655,101 in 2024 dollars -- for this greater good, and created a movement that would become United Way.

In the beginning, we were known as the Tulsa Community Fund. Eleven health and human service organizations established our fund. Together, after only five days, our communities exceeded their first goal of $238,895 by $9,000. The estimated value of $238,895 in 1924 dollars, when adjusted for inflation to 2024, is approximately $4.45 million. The following organizations were the first recipients of the funds raised through Tulsa’s first united campaign, Boy Scouts​, Confidential Exchange, Day Nursery, Frances Willard Home, Girl Scouts​, Federation of Jewish Charities​, Red Cross​, Tulsa Boys’ Home, Tulsa County Public Health Association, YMCA and YWCA. Six of these original partners remain Tulsa Area United Way agencies 100 years later. PHOTO CAPTION: Photo from 1939 Tulsa World. The caption reads, "Nap time at the Children's Home, 2308 West Easton, finds the youngsters contentedly tucked in their beds. During the past year, 83 children between the ages of 1 and 10 years were cared for at the home, with every essential to a well-rounded life.

This historic panorama, proudly displayed at the Tulsa Area United Way office, captures a momentous gathering from 1927 of Community Fund Workers. This impressive assembly showcases the collective spirit of approximately 500 dedicated volunteers and staff, united in their commitment to community service and philanthropy. Their legacy of collaboration and social impact continues to inspire the spirit of the United Way to this day.

This was taken from 1930 Community Fund marketing material. The 1930 chair, Harry H. Rogers, wrote, "Probably the most important civic problem presented to the citizens of Tulsa is the raising of the Community Fund. The number who will need temporary aid is very large and we must face the situation in a courageous and humane way. This fund is administered under the direction of the ablest citizens, assuring economy and wisdom. The fund is designed to give relief to all -- from hungry babies to the helpless aged. It has caused many broken families to be reunited and has enabled many children to remain in school. Fraud and cheating have been eliminated. The normal citizens must be willing to share the responsibility in these times in a way that will clearly demonstrate our interest in heart problems. Tulsa will respond!"

December 7, 1941 - The War Chest drive was combined with the Community Fund in 1942 and a parade helped to generate the enthusiasm that put the joint campaign over the $491,453 goal by more than $20,000.

In 1947 the organization formally changed its name to the Tulsa Community Chest.

This photo of Community Chest "Board & United Drive" volunteers hangs in the Tulsa Area United Way office today. A red feather is seen on the back wall. In 1928 New Orleans added the red feather as the symbol of united giving ("a feather in your cap"). Community Chests across the country adopted the red feather as a symbol of service.

At the 1974 announcement to change our name from Community Chest to Tulsa Area United Way, the guest speaker was Fred S. Schwend, of Houston, a former Tulsan who chaired Gulf Oil Co.-U.S. During the event, Schwend said, "I truly feel that at some point someone has to ignite a spark that will turn into a prairie fire of reaction to let our leaders know we are ready to end the rhetoric and get on with solving the problems."

In August 1989, Tulsa Area United Way presented the inaugural Sandblazer volleyball tournament, which kicked off the fund-raising season and highlighted companies that ran their United Way fundraisers a month early to motivate the community. The event that also included a 5k.

Since the first Day of Caring in 1991, TAUW has expanded to Days of Caring. The multi-year events organized by TAUW find volunteers participating in a wide range of community service projects for local nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations. These projects can include things like landscaping, painting, cleaning, administrative work, or other projects that the organizations need help with. The event not only provides much-needed support to these organizations, but it also provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about the important work these organizations do.

July 11, 2005 – Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune placed the ceremonial first 211 call. In 2000, the Federal Communications Commission designated the 2-1-1 dialing code for community information and referral services. In 2004, Gov. Brad Henry approved legislation to certify 2-1-1 call centers in Oklahoma.

In 2010, A Way Home for Tulsa was named the first Tulsa Area United Way Community Collaborations initiative. The Community Collaborations initiative fosters cooperation among local non-profit organizations (including non-partner nonprofits), business and industry, foundations, and government and educational institutions. We believe these collaborations are the most effective means for addressing certain issues. One organization rarely has the capacity to adequately address a community-wide issue on its own. Additionally, cooperation promotes effective solutions for those in need and raises the efficiency of agencies that provide services. A Way Home for Tulsa is a collective impact of over 30 voting organizations that exists to plan and implement strategies that support a system of outreach, engagement, assessment, prevention and evaluation for those experiencing homelessness, or those persons at risk of homelessness, within Tulsa City/County. To learn more about Community Collaborations, visit tauw.org/community-collaborations

Originally named Venture Grants, the inaugural awards supporting innovative community programs were awarded to Family & Children’s Services, Goodwill Industries, and the Mental Health Association. Tulsa Area United Way Social Innovations Grants encourage the creation of bold new solutions for improving education, health/basic needs and financial mobility. The program provides nonprofits with the critical resources—including funding, mentorship and community connections—to accelerate the growth and stability of their innovative programs. Learn more at tauw.org/tauw-social-innovations-grants/

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges. TAUW and its partner organizations swiftly responded by providing emergency relief, healthcare support, and mental health services. They also adapted to the changing landscape by incorporating virtual platforms for service delivery and focusing on addressing the pandemic's economic impact through job assistance programs and food aid.

211EOK operations transitioned to Tulsa Area United Way on June 1, 2023 avoiding major service disruptions and expanding service hours to 24/7, enabling Eastern Oklahomans to continue to receive valuable assistance and connections they need. To learn more, visit 211eok.org.

April 1, 2024 marks 100 years of service to a community we believe in. As our Centennial Committee members weave together the story of 100 years of impact, you'll be able to follow along on this official Centennial website. Stay tuned for information about how you can support and participate in the Centennial celebrations.