About Us

Our organization was established in February, 1945 as the Fergus Falls Community Fund. We have joined the United Way World Wide and changed the name of the organization to United Way of Otter Tail County. United Way of Otter Tail County thus became able to receive contributions made at the workplace and designated to help programs through the United Way Campaign. United Way of Otter Tail County has been serving our community for over 65 years.

We are primarily a volunteer-led organization with a mission to meet health and human care needs in our community through a network of local agencies. Our Organizational Mission Statement is to improve lives in Otter Tail County by mobilizing the caring powers in our communities. United Way helps people care for one another by providing an efficient fundraising campaign, an effective community fund investment program, a broad range of volunteer opportunities and community-based problem solving initiatives. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with volunteer committees that oversee all major functions and a professional staff that administers the day-to-day activities.

Our Community Investment process includes an annual review of qualifying 501c3 non-profit programs by Community Investment volunteer panels comprised of county wide community members, a Community Investment committee and the United Way Board of Directors to ensure funds are used in the most effective and efficient manner possible. We also act as a catalyst for change to launch and participate in community problem-solving initiatives and act as a liaison in the community.

With this time-tested process we have made a measurable impact in our community. To date millions of dollars have been distributed to partner agencies. These agencies provide programs that provide a good education, good health and financial stability in our community.

United Way of Otter Tail County ensures your donation is well spent. A cross-section of our county s leadership comprises the Board of Directors for United Way of Otter Tail County. These trained leaders closely screen the agencies and programs receiving funds to make sure your money is well spent. Our volunteers have the expertise to identify the most critical needs in our community and direct funding to agencies and programs that positively impact our community. Your gift gets through to people who really need help.

United Way of Otter Tail County is accountable and transparent. United Way World Wide standards require a certified public accounting firm audits United Way of Otter Tail County each year. Copies of required filings are posted on our website at www.uwotc.com or you may contact our office for a copy of our latest financial reports, 990 and Strategic Operations Plan.

United Way serves every community in Otter Tail County providing financial and volunteer support to programs which provide a good education, financials stability and good health to all residents in need. We are proud to say for 65 year we have been improving lives in Otter Tail County.