United Way of Cullman County has been a trusted partner in strengthening our community. What began as a cooperative effort to meet the growing human service needs of Cullman County has since expanded to serve both Cullman and Winston Counties—fueling progress, inspiring generosity, and connecting people with resources that change lives.
Incorporated on May 23, 1979, as The Cullman County United Fund, the organization was formed to bring people together to solve the region’s most pressing challenges. Over the decades, United Way of Cullman County has grown into a pillar of support for countless families, nonprofits, and local initiatives—empowering the community through partnerships, volunteerism, and giving.
Today, United Way continues to unite local individuals, businesses, and organizations in the common goal of building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community. From childhood literacy programs to emergency response support, every initiative reflects the heart of the mission: when we LIVE UNITED, we all thrive.
This journey would not be possible without the vision and leadership of our founding board members, who believed in the power of community:
Carol Stiefelmeyer, JR. (President)
Fred Robertson (Vice President)
June F. Hearin (Secretary)
Lowell Hamilton (Treasurer)
Fred W. Abt, Ted Alverson, Ronald H. Apel, Edmund D. Campbell, Melba Dunn, Estus Durham, Harmon Eller, Wayne Fuller, Peggy Harris, Davidson Henry, Wallace D. Krout, Sue Lorenz, Ernest L. Reddick, W.H. Whitting, Jr.
Their commitment to service planted the roots for an organization that continues to uplift and inspire.
But United Way of Cullman County is part of a story much larger than any one county.
Global Roots
On October 16, 1887, in Denver, Colorado, a woman, a priest, two ministers, and a rabbi came together with a simple yet powerful goal: to make their community a better place for everyone through cooperative action. Calling themselves the Charity Organization Society, they coordinated local services and launched a single fundraising campaign supporting more than 20 health and welfare agencies.
That campaign raised $21,700—the equivalent of over $700,000 today—and sparked a movement that evolved into Community Chest, United Fund, and, by 1970, United Way.
Now, more than 135 years later, that founding spirit lives on. United Way continues to tackle the toughest challenges through the power of partnerships, listening to the needs of communities and responding with compassion and collaboration.
With a global network that spans tens of thousands of communities, United Way shares innovations, scales impact, and brings people together to create lasting change. From advancing health, education, and financial stability, to building stronger, more resilient communities, the mission remains clear: ensuring every person in every community can thrive.