About Cornhusker United Way
Who We Are
Cornhusker United Way is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to improving lives and building stronger, more resilient communities across Southeast Nebraska. As part of the global United Way network, we unite people, resources, and organizations to solve problems that no one entity can solve alone.
We focus on creating lasting impact in four essential areas:
- Education
- Health
- Financial Stability
- Essential Services
Our mission is to mobilize our communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive — regardless of income, background, or geography.
The Communities We Serve
Cornhusker United Way serves nine counties in Southeast Nebraska, where rural values meet powerful community collaboration:
- Butler
- Fillmore
- Jefferson
- Polk
- Saline
- Saunders
- Seward
- Thayer
- York
We are proud to serve these communities by listening to local needs, funding effective programs, and creating space for everyone to participate in building a better future.
A Legacy of Service: United Way History
The United Way movement began in 1887 in Denver, Colorado, when a group of faith and community leaders joined forces to support local charities through one coordinated effort. They launched what was then called a "Community Chest" — a powerful idea that spread across the country and eventually the world.
What started with a simple belief — that we can accomplish more when we work together — has grown into the largest privately-funded nonprofit network in the world, with over 1,000 United Ways across the U.S. and in more than 40 countries.
Cornhusker United Way is proud to be part of that legacy, continuing this work right here in Southeast Nebraska.
Why We Continue This Work
Even as our communities grow and change, the needs remain:
- Families still struggle to make ends meet
- Kids face gaps in early learning and school readiness
- Seniors and rural residents lack accessible healthcare
- Mental health concerns are rising, especially among youth
- Many go without stable housing or nutritious meals
These challenges are complex, but we don’t believe in quick fixes. We believe in working together — with individuals, local nonprofits, businesses, schools, and government — to address root causes, connect resources, and create lasting solutions.
Our Core Values
Cornhusker United Way follows the core values of the United Way network, which guide everything we do:
- Integrity: Acting with honesty, transparency, and responsibility in all relationships
- Inclusiveness: Valuing the unique contributions of all people
- Collaboration: Building powerful partnerships to solve big problems
- Community: A deep commitment to local well-being and the common good
- Accountability: Measuring and reporting real, mission-driven outcomes
How We Live Our Mission
- Mobilizing Resources: We bring together funding, people, and organizations to address urgent needs
- Focus on Lasting Impact: We don’t just put a bandage on problems — we work for long-term change
- Strategic Leadership: We convene partners around common goals and collective action
- Adaptability: We remain agile and responsive to the changing needs of our communities
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support — whether through giving, volunteering, or advocating — helps us continue building a stronger Southeast Nebraska, where every person has the opportunity to succeed.