1. We have been around a long time.
Valley of the Sun United Way is almost 100 years old! Our organization was born in 1925 when the local Welfare League joined forces with the Community Chest. We officially changed the name to ‘Valley of the Sun United Way’ in 1981.
Our office features a history wall that walks you through all of our milestones over the last 96 years.
2. We fund more than 150 nonprofit programs.
Valley of the Sun United Way partners with nonprofits across Maricopa County that offer a wide range of services. We fund both large and small organizations. When you donate to Valley of the Sun United Way, you help fund dozens of different organizations.
See a list of our Health partners.
See a list of our Housing and Homelessness partners.
See a list of our Education partners.
See a list of our Workforce Development partners.
3. We broke a Guinness World Record.
In 2014, we gathered volunteers, including around 1,000 Arizona State University students, to break the Guinness World Record for the most food bags stuffed in three minutes. The previous record was 1,000. Our volunteers were able to smash that record by nearly 100% after they packed 1,993 bags in the time limit. The food bags were then handed out as a part of our Pantry Pack program.
4. We have several of our own programs.
While most know us as an umbrella agency that funds other nonprofits, we have several of our own programs too! These programs support children, families and individuals in our community and offer volunteer opportunities for others.
Learn about the programs we offer.
5. Our office is open to the community.
In 2022, we redeployed our office space as a community asset. We wanted to create a space that our nonprofit partners could use to meet and collaborate. The new MacKenzie Scott Drop Spot opened in July and features sit or stand desks, lockers, beverage station and more!
We also have conference rooms available to use.
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work
