Mission
The Watertown Area United Way is a non-profit community-based volunteer organization whose purpose is to assist in meeting human care needs of Watertown Area residents.
Three Key United Way Focus Areas
Watertown Area United Way supports agency programs who provide education for all ages, better health in all forms, and establish financial stability for Watertown residents.
2-1-1 Helpline Center
Single Care
Watertown Regional Library
To view a full list of agency programs please visit the "Agencies & Outreach" tab or click here.
To download a copy of the WAUW Bylaws click here.
The Watertown Area United Way supports 34 partner agencies and programs and plays a leading role in our area’s nonprofit and philanthropic efforts. More than just a fundraiser, United Way acts as a connector—bringing nonprofits together to collaborate, share resources, and strengthen the services that meet our community’s most pressing needs.
United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good. True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our communities, United Way is there. We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, actively listening and responding to local needs. Our reach across tens of thousands of communities means we can share innovations and scale impact to improve lives around the world.
We envision a world where every person in every community is thriving.
From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in every community can reach their full potential.
We value diversity and strive to advance equity, inclusion, and access for all. In order to fulfill our mission, we’re working to ensure our leadership and staff reflect the communities we serve around the world, that we are intentional about co-creating solutions to community challenges, and that we apply an inclusive lens to everything we do, so that every person in every community has access to the opportunities they need to thrive.
Watertown Area United Way proudly funds two vital programs that directly support local youth: the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Delta Dental Mobile.
Since 2002, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library has delivered free books each month to children ages 0 to 5, helping build early literacy and a lifelong love of reading. As of 2025, 901 children are enrolled, with new applications arriving daily—demonstrating a strong and growing impact on young families across our community.
The Delta Dental Mobile is another fully funded initiative by Watertown Area United Way. Since its first visit in 2011, the program has provided no-cost dental care to more than 837 local children and teens—from the first tooth through age 21. Services include preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care, all without the need for insurance. In 2024 alone, 70 youth received care valued at $75,521.
These programs are more than numbers—they are investments in brighter, healthier futures for Watertown’s next generation.
1970 United Way of Watertown, Inc. formed. Prior to this it was called Community Chest.
1984 $100,000 raised for the first time.
1987 United Way Accounts are computerized and Loaned Executive Program Implemented
1988 $200,000 is raised for the first time.
1989 Heart Club Program implemented (leadership giving)
1989 Employee giving exceeds corporate giving for the first time.
1993 $300,000 raised.
1996 $471,000 raised.
1998 Campaign Divisions were revised, $500,000 raised for the first time.
1999 $531,532 raised.
2002 $590,000 raised.
2005 $637,472 raised.
2006 First Chrome Cruise with Harley Davidson held. Full time Executive Director hired.
2009 $671,512 raised – First ever United Way Radiothon held with KXLG 99.1 FM
2014 United Way raises over $725,000 for the first time.
2016 The Watertown Area United Way had its most successful campaign to date with the addition of the Montgomery's Room Makeover Sweepstakes, raising over $740,000.
2020 Watertown Area United Way celebrates 50 years of serving the Watertown Area community.
2021 The "Unwrap the Future" Pop-Tart, United Way Worldwide $2,500 grant is awarded to a Florence, SD teen recipient.
2022 New campaign signs were built and added a new sign location.
2023 $672,603 raised.
2024 $671,276 raised.
2025 Born Learning Trail installation at McKinley Park.
