Our story

In 1956, four prominent Burke County businessmen — T. Henry Wilson, Paul Cash, Nollie Patton, and James A. Connelly — formed the Burke County United Fund. Their vision was simple: to create a fund that would allow donors the opportunity to give, equitably meet the needs of community members, and create a strong sense of community through generosity. The first Burke County United fund raised $56,246, far surpassing their initial goal of $34,500. 

In 1977, a payroll deduction was instituted, resulting in significant monetary giving, and in 1983, the Burke County United Fund merged with the Lovely United Fund of Valdese to create a singular charity to serve the whole of Burke County. 

In 1987, the Burke County United Fund hired its first full-time Executive Director.

in 1994, Burke County United Fund became the Burke County United Way. 

In 2016, Burke County United Way celebrated its 60th anniversary with more than $27,000,000 invested back into our community. 

In 2020, at a time in which our country and community faced an unprecedented health crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, Burke County United Way’s staff and board took a step back and completed a new strategic plan, which culminated in a year-long process of engaging a cross-section of community stakeholders to help develop a new vision, mission, and core initiatives. This 2021-2024 Strategic Plan will drive the success of our organization's future and maximize the benefits for individuals in our community.