History

For over 50 years, the United Way of North Central Massachusetts (previously known as the Fitchburg United Fund, Leominster United Fund, and United Way of Greater Gardner) has been part of North Central Massachusetts. As the region has grown and changed, so have we, constantly adapting to meet community needs.

Over the years and decades, we have been, and remain, a close partner to local communities, developing innovative programs that help individuals and families improve their lives.

United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Inc. is an independent, non-profit corporation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that is governed by local volunteers that was created in 1979 through the merger of the Fitchburg and Leominster United Funds.

In 1998, we were approached by the volunteers of the United Way of Greater Gardner investigating the benefits of a merger. After a careful and thorough study, both organizations concluded that a merger was in the best interest of both communities; and in June of 1998, the merger was finalized.

We now serve a 19-town region. Approximately one third of the population is touched by a United Way supported service in our community.

Innovators

For organizations to remain relevant, in a rapidly changing world, they must continue to innovate.  At United Way of North Central Massachusetts we embrace innovation.  We are always looking for smarter and more efficient way to create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our community.   

We were the first United Way in the country to bring Youth Venture program to our community.  It is empowering young people to make a difference.  Because of its success, the program has now spread to other United Ways throughout the country.

Recognizing that a vacuum existed for concerned individuals to find volunteer opportunities in our community, we created United Way Community Builders.  Since this initiative was launched in 2004, thousands of people find rewarding volunteer opportunities.

To keep our administrative expenses as low as possible, we partnered with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, sharing office space and key personnel.  This arrangement, the only one in the United States, helps us put more money into important programs.

We will continue to look for innovative ways to create long-lasting changes in our community.