1921 The first federated campaign organization known as the Seattle Community Fund was formed to combine 43 separate fund-raising efforts among Seattle's charitable health and welfare agencies. The Seattle Community Fund raised $639,549 that year.

1952 The Seattle Community Fund expanded to include national agencies, and was renamed the United Good Neighbors. The United Good Neighbors' campaign benefited 55 agencies and raised $3.1 million that year.

1972 The United Good Neighbors tied into United Way of America's national identification and recognition by establishing a new name, United Way of King County. Over the years, United Way of King County has grown and changed to meet the community's needs. The organization has built partnerships with other nonprofits as well as working with city, county, and state governments to meet community needs.

1988 United Way of King County opened offices in Bellevue and Kent to better serve community needs in these rapidly growing areas.

1989 United Way of King County implemented a new donor involvement plan in response to requests for more donor choice in directing contributions. Donors could contribute to the Community Care Plan, direct their dollars to other nonprofit health and human service agencies in Washington, or split their gift between the two options.

1995 Giving options grew to include all nonprofit organizations and designation to particular service areas, but many sought even greater funding flexibility to face emerging issues.

1997 United Way of King County developed the "Community Safety Net" brand identity. While continuing to honor donor choice, United Way of King County encourages donors to direct gifts to the newly created Community Safety Net Fund that formed partnerships with health and human services agencies addressing critical community needs.

2001 With four highly successful campaigns in a row that posted double-digit increases each year, United Way of King County eagerly prepared to kick off its 2001-2002 annual campaign with the Day of Caring on September 14, 2001; however, the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States temporarily redirected priorities toward a much greater national need. In conjunction with United Ways nationwide, United Way of King County established The September 11th Fund to aid victims, families, and communities directly affected by the tragedy. The fund, which ultimately raised $525 million worldwide, helped provide food, emergency shelter, counseling, and money in each affected area.

2005 Anticipating changes in the community, United Way of King County is now focusing on community impact. This subtle shift in the way it does business capitalizes on our ability to identify issues, invest in solutions and improve lives. Fundraising used to be our only resource, but now it's just one of our many community building tools. We are have experts in health and human services who are implementing strategic community building initiatives. We cultivate strategic alliances with key nonprofits, businesses, and government to leverage financial and non-financial resources. We facilitate volunteerism by making volunteer connections and providing volunteer training opportunities. We educate elected officials about how legislation affects health and human services. We raise public awareness to rally the community around priorities. We work in the community to better impact the community.