Improving the lives of underserved individuals in Eastern Idaho by focusing community resources on creating measurable and lasting impacts.
For nearly 85 years, United Way Eastern Idaho has worked diligently to change the lives of people and families in Eastern Idaho. Our service area includes Bonneville, Clark, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Butte, Custer, and Teton counties.
Mission
Improving people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
Vision
United Way Eastern Idaho will foster a sense of collective action and shared responsibility in our region. By reducing barriers for ALICE households, we will strengthen families, provide opportunities for youth, foster healthy communities, and enhance financial security. We will diversify funding sources by engaging younger donors, new residents, and a broad base of business partners to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Our board will reflect the diversity of our communities, actively leading, connecting, and advocating for measurable impact. Through storytelling and community collaboration, United Way will bridge resources and ideas to build a thriving and resilient Eastern Idaho for all.
OUR IMPACT
133,947
Hot, nutritious meals served to vulnerable community members through Meals on Wheels and other food programs.
2,591
Hours of free tutoring in preparation for the General Education Diploma (GED).
175
Struggling families and Seniors received one-time assistance with rent or utility payments.
IMAGINE A COMMUNITY UNITED IN PURPOSE
The most important thing to know about us is this: After nearly 85 years of improving the health, education and economic opportunity of our community, we continue to commit ourselves to creating a thriving region. Because at United Way Eastern Idaho, we know what happens when people truly pull together. Homes are saved. Education advances. Health improves. Hope rises. Lives are changed.
Uniting more than 40 partner nonprofits, as well as corporate and community partners, we’re committed to creating a strong, vibrant community with excellent schools, good health, safe neighborhoods and jobs that pay a livable wage. We are making bold strides to achieve a thriving community.
By investing in the most effective programs and services, we’re tackling the area’s most complex social challenges every day. Check out our community mobilization flier to learn more about our strategy, and then our ALICE Impact to learn about data driven challenges our region is facing.
Our History
United Way has been around for more than 135 years and continues to make an impact. It all started with five founders and has expanded into local organizations. We hope you'll enjoy reading a little bit about our history by clicking on the rectangles below.
The Beginning
1887 - In Denver, Colorado, a woman, a priest, a rabbi and two ministers funded the Charity Organization Society, the first United Way. This organization planned and coordinated local services and conducted a single fundraising campaign for nearly two dozen organizations.
1888 - The first United Way campaign in Denver raised $21,700.
Local Start: Community Chest
1942 - Community Chest of Idaho Falls organized by E.F. McDermott, to coordinate multiple fundraising activities in Idaho Falls. Fundraising goal: $13,505.
1954 - Name changed to Community Chest of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, Inc. V.E. Mullin elected president, reorganized method of operation to one more representative of donors, rather than supported agencies. Fundraising goal: $85,000.
United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County
1976 - Name of organization legally changed to United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, Inc.(UWIFBC), to conform with other organizations throughout the United States. First full-time executive director joined the non-profit.
1987 - The UWIFBC supported 28 non-profit agencies. The 1987 campaign total was $793,000.
1990 - Golden Anniversary Celebration. The campaign raised in excess of $1 million dollars. The number of agencies supported grew to 31 non-profits.
1994 - The number of agencies supported by UWIFBC grew to 37 non-profits.
2018 - The UWIFBC conducted Community Conversations in the seven counties to help create a more accurate snapshot of community needs in each respective county in Eastern Idaho.
2019 - The UWIFBC shifted to Community Impact Model. The primary objective of this model is to create a healthier region by supporting non-profits and programs that positively impact priority need and urgent issues in the Health, Education and Financial Stability areas.
2022 – UWIFBC moved to current location to bring together all our early education programs. This location gives us the opportunity to gather volunteers to support our boots on the ground programs.
United Way of Eastern Idaho
2024- United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County changed its name to United Way Eastern Idaho (UWEI) to better represent our geographical footprint. UWEI received a grant from the AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent Program serving 14 counties in Idaho.
Our Impact
United Way Eastern Idaho is committed to being a good steward of the community and a catalyst for change that mobilizes a caring community to improve people’s lives.
To Learn More – Check out our Impact Programs
Our Financials
Every effort is greatly valued. Every dollar is previous. See how your donations go directly where they're needed.
Our Equity Statement
Social justice serves as a core principle for United Way of Eastern Idaho (UWEI).
Our Impact
We are committed to the health, education, and economic opportunity of every person in our community, regardless of race, gender, income, and ability.
Careers
Untied Way Eastern Idaho staff is a close-knit group of nonprofit experts who are making a difference in Eastern Idaho.
Be a part of something bigger. Join United Way Eastern Idaho in our journey to create a community where compassion meets action. Together, we can build a united future where positive change reverberates through every corner of our region.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. United in Purpose. Together, let’s make our vision a reality.