About Us

In 1967, a group of 35 visionary business and community leaders gathered at the Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff with a bold idea: create a “united fund” that businesses could contribute to in order to create a bigger impact for charities that served those in need.

By the end of that week, these leaders launched the United Fund of Flagstaff with the heads of the Arizona Daily Sun and APS stepping up as the first Co-Directors. The fund’s inaugural campaign came just months later, raising an impressive $60,000 to support 11 local charities.

By 1976, the organization evolved into United Way of Northern Arizona and extended its reach to Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. In 2027, United Way of Northern Arizona will celebrate 60 years of transforming lives and building stronger communities.

United Way of Northern Arizona remains deeply rooted in its mission. Guided by a passionate, locally-driven Board of Directors, it continues to uplift communities across the region by focusing on: 

• Youth Opportunity, so that our children can realize their potential and receive our support from cradle through career;
• Healthy Communities, fostering the physical and mental health of all who live in northern Arizona;
• Financial Security, so the basic needs of our residents can be met; and
• Community Resiliency in times of family emergency or community crisis.