The “United Way” concept began in 1887 in Denver, Colorado, when religious leaders formed the “Charity Organization Society” that conducted fundraising campaigns to support local social service agencies.

In 1930, a group of agencies formed the “United Community Chest” to serve New Brunswick and Highland Park. Their first fundraising campaign raised over $119,000 – an amazing accomplishment during the Great Depression.

In 1951, the United Community Chest expanded to cover a larger part of Middlesex County and became the “United Fund of the Heart of Middlesex County.” Its 1951-1952 campaign raised $374,000.

In 1967, the United Community Chest merged with the Community Service Council of Raritan Valley to become the United Community Services of Central Jersey, Inc. (UCS) and again expanded its service area to include the Perth Amboy area. UCS raised more than $1,000,000 annually.

In 1973, UCS adopted the name “United Way of Central Jersey (“UWCJ”). Most recently, after 2022, our focus changed from traditional workplace fundraising campaigns to providing direct services for our clients. And, after an organization-wide rebranding process, we adopted the name “United Way Central Jersey.” UWCJ is a voluntary member of United Way Worldwide, which was ranked #1 on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s 2025 America’s Favorite Charities list. That list identifies the 100 nonprofits that earn the most support from individuals, private foundations and corporate philanthropies.