Hampshire Community United Way (Hampshire County, Mass.)

Nonprofit organization with representatives from sixteen Western Massachusetts towns that raised funds for and distributed funds to local and national social service organizations in their communities. William Scott, Fritz Heinemann, and John Sheehan were all Executive Director during this time period.

In 1969, representatives from Northampton, Easthampton, Hadley, Hatfield, and Williamsburg dissolved their respective Community Chests and established the Hampshire United Fund. The goal of the Hampshire United Fund was primarily the same as that of the Community Chest forerunners: to raise funds for and distribute funds to local and national social service organizations in the community.

The structure of the Hampshire United Fund was similar to the earlier Community Chests, with its Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and various standing committees. In addition to these volunteer positions, the Hampshire United Fund added a paid position of Executive Director who was responsible for the general management of the organization.

William Scott was the first Executive Director, holding the position from 1969-74. Scott was the Executive Secretary for the Northampton Community Chest in 1968-69. Fritz Heinemann was Executive Director 1975-78. Heinemann's time was divided between the Hampshire United Way (80%) and the Amherst Community Chest (20%). John Sheehan became Executive Director in 1978.

The Hampshire United Fund evolved in response to community needs. In 1973, the parent body, the United Fund, changed its name to the United Way of America; the Hampshire United Fund changed its name to the Hampshire United Way. In 1973, Westhampton joined the Hampshire United Way, raising the number of towns in the organization to six. In 1974, a total of fifteen communities comprised the Hampshire United Way. It was not until 1978 that Amherst dissolved its independent Community Chest and merged with the United Way. This single organization was renamed the Hampshire Community United Way.