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 (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 (1 in 4 Story County households don't have $400 on hand for emergencies)
  • Collective Well-being: Meet basic needs while fostering 15,000 meaningful connections (1 in 3 people living in Story County have experienced food insecurity in the last year)

United Is the Way video

Cy in United Way t-shirt in front of the campanile

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 2025 campaign kicked off with Day of Caring on Friday, September 12. After a kick-off breakfast, nearly 280 volunteers from Iowa State University and Story County businesses logged over 1,000 hours at United Way of Story County agencies. Twenty-six volunteers from the Academic Affairs division helped with projects at Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County, Center for Creative Justice, One Heart Equestrian Therapy, Prairie Flower Children's Center, Raising Readers in Story County, and Reiman Gardens.

United Way Day of Caring volunteers at Raising Readers
volunteers at Reiman Gardens for United Way Day of Caring
volunteers at United Way Day of Caring