Mission
The Watertown Area United Way is a non-profit community-based volunteer organization whose purpose is to assist in meeting human care needs of Watertown Area residents.
Three Key United Way Focus Areas
Watertown Area United Way supports agency programs who provide education for all ages, better health in all forms, and establish financial stability for Watertown residents.
2-1-1 Helpline Center
Single Care
Watertown Regional Library
To view a full list of agency programs please visit the "Agencies & Outreach" tab or click here.
To download a copy of the WAUW Bylaws click here.
The Watertown Area United Way funds 35 agencies and is a leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic community. The Watertown Area United Way goes beyond just raising funds for local nonprofits. It serves as a catalyst to encourage nonprofits to collaborate and work together to meet the needs of our community.
United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.
United Way brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. As one of the world's largest privately funded charities, we serve 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories; our humanitarian aid supports 48 million people every year. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic solutions, and health resources.
United Way is the mission of choice for 1.5 million volunteers, 6.8 million donors, and 45,000 corporate partners in more than 1,100 communities worldwide in our second century of service. Together, we are building resilient, equitable communities across the globe.
United Way Worldwide: United Way Worldwide
Human Trafficking: Human Trafficking | United Way Worldwide, Trust By Performance: Uniting Business and Philanthropy Against Trafficking, by United Way Worldwide & US Chamber of Commerce | United Way Worldwide
D.E.I.: The Role Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Plays in Combatting Human Trafficking | United Way Worldwide, Diversity & Inclusion | United Way Worldwide, Home | United Way Equity Framework
Watertown Area United Way funds two important programs in the Watertown Area. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Delta Dental Mobile which are fully funded by Watertown Area United Way. Since 2002 the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has provided thousands of local youths, ages 0 to 5 years old, a free book on a monthly basis. Currently, in 2024 there are 906 youth in the program with applications coming in every day.
Another program fully funded by Watertown Area United Way is the Delta Dental Mobile. Since the first visit in 2011 over 837 youth have received dental care at no cost to the family. From the first tooth to 21 years of age Watertown youth are provided preventative, diagnostic, and restorative dental procedures. No insurance is needed for this program. The value of dental care done in 2024 was $75,521 and 70 youth were served.
1970 United Way of Watertown, Inc. formed. Prior to this it was called Community Chest.
1984 $100,000 raised for the first time.
1987 United Way Accounts are computerized and Loaned Executive Program Implemented
1988 $200,000 is raised for the first time.
1989 Heart Club Program implemented (leadership giving)
1989 Employee giving exceeds corporate giving for the first time.
1993 $300,000 raised.
1996 $471,000 raised.
1998 Campaign Divisions were revised, $500,000 raised for the first time.
1999 $531,532 raised.
2002 $590,000 raised.
2005 $637,472 raised.
2006 First Chrome Cruise with Harley Davidson held. Full time Executive Director hired.
2009 $671,512 raised – First ever United Way Radiothon held with KXLG 99.1 FM
2014 United Way raises over $725,000 for the first time.
2016 The Watertown Area United Way had its most successful campaign to date with the addition of the Montgomery's Room Makeover Sweepstakes, raising over $740,000.
2020 Watertown Area United Way celebrates 50 years of serving the Watertown Area community.
2021 The "Unwrap the Future" Pop-Tart, United Way Worldwide $2,500 grant is awarded to a Florence, SD teen recipient.
2022 New campaign signs were built and added a new sign location.
2023 $672,603 raised.
2024 $671,276 raised.
2025 Born Learning Trail installation at McKinley Park.
