Throughout the second World War, the Community Chest continued to see an outpouring of community support. We continually exceeded our campaign goals during and directly after the War, proving how strong the Omaha community can be in times of need. In 1950, we were one of the few communities to pioneer a national model for a single organization dedicated to all facets of nonprofit fundraising. This new model combined fund-raising with budgeting, planning and allocations – all with one board of directors. We began calling ourselves United Community Services.

The goal was to make it easier for local donors to make a difference at a variety of nonprofits with one gift annually. We began really looking at the needs in the community and, in 1956, initiated a $2 million capital-fund drive. The drive was the result of an analysis of the 5-year needs of our agencies, and an effort to meet those needs. United Way continued to grow in the community as we increased our role with fundraising and allocations to local programs serving the most needy.

In 1966, volunteerism was added to the mission of United Community Services, thereby increasing the community participation in our cause. A volunteer Citizens Assembly was created to encourage volunteerism within the community, getting local people and companies involved with partner agencies and funded programs.

In 1975, we became United Way of the Midlands. United Way’s across the nation were continuing to grow, reaching most communities. Here in Omaha, we focused on connecting the metro area under one United Way. In 1981, we combined forces with the United Way of Council Bluffs, ensuring that the whole metro benefited from United Way donor funding. In 1987, we began jointly fundraising with the Community Health Charities of Nebraska.

Throughout the 90’s, 2000’s and today, United Way of the Midlands has remained an important part of the Omaha-Council Bluffs-Bellevue metro area. Since World War II, donors have given over $548 million to United Way of the Midlands, giving families, children and seniors the assistance they’ve needed for over 90 years. We’re proud to be a part of such a thriving community and we’ve enjoyed growing alongside it.

In 2012, United Way of the Midlands began a Strategic Planning Process aimed at evaluating how we can make the most impact with United Way donor dollars in the metro area. From the process, a Community Assessment was born. United Way spoke with the community about what the most pressing needs are across the city, with Phase 2 beginning in early 2014. 2013 also saw the introduction of a new funding review process, matching local volunteers and business leaders into teams to evaluate United Way funded programs and make allocation decisions. With each step, our goal was to show how strong our community can be when local donors, companies and nonprofits work together to impact the future of our great city.

From this robust process, our future priorities were formed. United Way of the Midlands continues to fund Basic Needs, a commitment we’ve made to the Omaha metro area since our inception in 1923. In addition to this continued support, we will create life-changing opportunities through programs that support children during their academic years and help prepare young people for productive careers. It’s our commitment to the community that we will continue to make a difference in the lives of many. Together, with local donors, companies and organizations, we are Community Strong.