United Way of North Idaho has been serving our community since September 17, 1957, when it was established in the old Elks Lodge… back when the site of today's Coeur d'Alene Resort was still a sawmill!
Much like the national motto E Pluribus Unum, "Out of many, one," United Way was founded on a simple but powerful idea: one community fundraising campaign that could support many local needs while reducing the burden of countless separate charitable drives.
1957: United Crusade of Coeur d'Alene is established.
Local business leaders, led by Carl Gridley, organized a communitywide fundraising effort to bring local charitable giving together. The first fundraising campaign launched with a goal of $40,000.
Our first donor was Washington Water Power, now Avista.
Interestingly, our current office is located in the building that once housed Washington Water Power, bringing that story full circle.
Initial beneficiaries included the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, the American Red Cross, and the Kootenai County Health and Welfare Committee. The Salvation Army joined the following year.
1979: The organization expands its identity.
As its reach grew beyond Coeur d'Alene, the organization became United Crusade of Kootenai County.
Around 1989: A new name reflects a broader movement.
The organization became United Way of Kootenai County, aligning with the United Way name used by other organizations across the country.
2016: The organization becomes United Way of North Idaho.
Its service area expanded to encompass Idaho's five northernmost counties: Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Bonner, and Boundary. A decade later, our work continues in each of these areas.
Today: A broader approach to community impact.
UWNI combines support for local nonprofits with direct-service programs, volunteer mobilization, early learning initiatives, resource navigation, and efforts to strengthen financial stability and community resilience.