The Community Chest - Red Feather was established in 1946 to bring together community volunteers to support programs and agencies deemed of high value in meeting human needs. It consisted of seven original agencies.
In 1969 the fund raising effort was expanded to include additional organizations and was called the United Fund of Winchester - Frederick County.
In 1980 the Clarke County Community Chest and the United Fund of Winchester - Frederick County merged to form the United Fund of WInchester - Frederick and Clarke Counties.
In 1990 Shenandoah County was added to the service area and the organization adopted a broader community focus to become the United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Our United Way has evolved over the decades, raising funds, assessing community needs and directing funds where most needed. Today our United Way serves as the community's premier charitable institution and provides a means for individuals, organizations and employee groups to work together on behalf of those in need.
1946 Community Chest Founders
C. Ridgely White, Sr., Congressman Burr Harrison, and William M. Battaile