United Way of the Saint Paul Area (Minn.)

This local United Way chapter began as the Saint Paul Community Chest and Council (1920-1942), which became the Greater Saint Paul Community Chest and Council (1942-1962), known briefly as the Community Chest and War Relief of Saint Paul, Inc. The chest and council became the Greater Saint Paul United Fund and Council, Inc. (1962-1973). In 1973 the council changed its name to the United Way of the Saint Paul Area, primarily to coordinate with other United Way organizations and gain from the national publicity of the United Way. The United Way offered the public an easy, convenient donation system, and acted as an overseer for the distribution of funds to member agencies providing health, welfare, child care, recreation, and other community services.

The Community Health and Welfare Planning Council, an independent arm of the Greater Saint Paul United Fund and Council, Inc., was responsible for community planning. The council had its own board of directors, budget, and staff. In 1973, in conjunction with the United Fund's name change, the council proposed to change its name to the Human Resources Planning Council of the Saint Paul Area, and moderately restructure its governance. The functions of the HRPC were to "assess on a continuing basis the health and social needs of the Saint Paul area, and to plan effective action to meet those needs." It was also to assist in the development of new programs and foster cooperation among agencies serving the Saint Paul area. The council did not, however, have the authority to commit the United Way to any financial responsibility. In November 1975 HRPC separated completely from the United Way of The Saint Paul Area. It began operation as an independent agency on January 1, 1976.

Early in 1975 the United Way of the Saint Paul Area completed "Project Breakthrough," a plan for providing "background, rationale and proposed operating policies and procedures for use in making future decisions to accomplish United Way objectives." From this the Planning, Evaluation, and Research Committee was established as a cooperative venue for organizations holding United Way membership. Representatives on the committee included the major service providers, planning agencies, and government agencies in Ramsey, Hennepin, and Dakota counties.

Since "Project Breakthrough" the United Way has undertaken several long range planning projects and assessments of its image and effectiveness. In general, the United Way of the Saint Paul Area sponsors only agencies in or serving Saint Paul and Ramsey County, though it does support national agencies such as the American Heart Association. The Saint Paul United Way cooperates with the United Way of Minneapolis to support agencies that serve both communities. In addition to funding local agencies, the United Way sponsors programs that it develops, such as First Call for Help.

From the guide to the Organizational Records., 1920-1993., (Minnesota Historical Society)