UNITED IS THE WAY

United is the Way because when we come together, we can create real change. By supporting children, strengthening families, and building connected communities, we make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re turning hope into action and lifting up our entire community.

For 2025 to 2030 United Way of Story County has redefined the community impact goals to be:

  • Bright Futures: Deliver 12,500 high-quality early childhood educational opportunities (Nearly 1 in 3 Story County third graders don't meet reading proficiency)
  • Financial Empowerment: Invest in tools to build long-term financial stability for 1,000 households annually (26% of Story County households don't have $400 on hand for emergencies)
  • Collective Well-being: Meet basic needs while fostering 15,000 meaningful connections (30% of people living in Story County are determined to be food insecure)

United Is the Way video

Jason and United Way Day of Caring volunteers

Iowa State Campaign

Over 30,000 lives in Story County are impacted by United Way programs. Many we don't know personally, but others are our colleagues, friends, and neighbors.

Learn how to donate Watch a tutorial of donation process in Workday

Day of Caring

The 2026 campaign kicked off with a Day of Caring on Friday, September 11. After a kick-off breakfast, over 400 volunteers from Iowa State University and Story County businesses logged over 1,953 hours at United Way of Story County agencies. Thirty-eight volunteers from the Academic Affairs division (Office of Admissions, CELT, Iowa State Online, Office of the Registrar, OLLI and the Office of the SVPP) helped with projects at Anchored Hope, Camp Fire-Camp Canwita, Center for Creative Justice, One Heart Equestrian Therapy, Reiman Gardens, and University Community Childcare.

New this year! Uniting Volunteers gathered folks at the ISU Alumni Center from noon to 4:30 p.m. Twenty-one volunteers from the Academic Affairs division enjoyed donated box lunches followed by an afternoon of kit-building for worthy organizations.



 

United Way Day of Caring volunteers washing pots at Reiman Gardens
United Way Day of Caring volunteers
United Way Day of Caring volunteers at the Center for Creative Justice