United Way of Galveston has served Galveston County for more than 100 years and why we are the only United Way dedicated to Galveston Island, Tiki Island, and the Bolivar Peninsula.
United Way of Galveston
More Than a Century of Service in Galveston County
For more than 100 years, United Way of Galveston has strengthened the fabric of our community by connecting those who need help to those who can help. Founded in 1923, we are one of the oldest United Ways in Texas and remain deeply rooted in the unique history, culture, and resilience of the coastal communities of Galveston County, including Galveston Island, Jamaica Beach, Tiki Island, and the Bolivar Peninsula.
Our neighbors include United Way of Greater Houston, United Way of Brazoria County, and United Way Galveston County Mainland. Each organization serves different communities. United Way of Galveston is the only United Way dedicated exclusively to the island and its surrounding areas in Galveston County.
To learn more about our vision, mission, and values, visit our About Us page.
A Century of Local Leadership
Our long history is built on thoughtful stewardship, strong governance, and a commitment to excellence in leadership. Over the decades, United Way of Galveston has:
- Maintained continuous service to the community for more than 102 years, supporting residents through hurricanes, economic disruptions, and generational change.
- Built relationships with local nonprofits, educators, healthcare providers, and civic partners that reflect the specific needs and opportunities in Galveston County’s island and coastal communities.
- Reinforced a trusted model of community investment that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with best practices across the nonprofit sector.
You can see the organizations we fund and collaborate with on our Partner Agencies page.
Today we continue this leadership tradition through strong board governance, clear performance expectations, and a strategic commitment to building nonprofit capacity, supporting early childhood development, and strengthening pathways toward health, education, and financial stability.
Dedicated to Galveston’s Future
Our work is shaped by what makes coastal communities distinct. We invest time and resources in strengthening the nonprofit organizations that serve our neighbors through:
- Professional development and sector learning: Partnerships that help nonprofits operate more effectively and serve more people
- Lunch and Learn Series
- Collaborative cross-sector convenings and workshops on emerging and persisting issues that impact nonprofits
- Connection to high-quality local and regional professional development conferences and workshops from vetted partners
- Born Learning Trails and early childhood readiness initiatives
- GISD Give Back Day, powered by United Way
- Learn more and explore upcoming opportunities on our Events Calendar
We are also a connector. United Way of Galveston coordinates resources across systems, organizations, and funders to ensure that community needs are understood and met. By leveraging our long-standing presence in Galveston County, we help local nonprofits access support, raise their visibility, and expand their impact.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, our Get Help page is the best place to start.
Why Our History Matters
In a region with multiple United Ways, it is important for the community to recognize that each one has its own service area, identity, and priorities. Our century-long commitment to Galveston County’s island communities continues to guide our work today.
When individuals and organizations choose to give through United Way of Galveston, they are investing directly in the well-being of our local community.
To support this work, visit our Give page to make a one-time or recurring donation, or explore Workplace Giving to bring payroll deduction to your organization.
Standing Strong for the Island We Call Home
Whether you are a resident, a business, a community partner, or a donor, supporting United Way of Galveston means supporting a trusted organization with deep roots, strong leadership, and a clear commitment to helping Galveston County thrive for the next 100 years.
Visit uwgalv.org to learn more, donate, or connect with our team about partnership opportunities.