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Hampshire Community United Way Records, 1968-1985
8 boxes (4 linear ft.)
Collection number: MS 47

Abstract:
Nonprofit organization with representatives from sixteen Western Massachusetts towns that raised funds for and distributed funds to local and national social service organizations in their communities. Records include minutes of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, financial and other standing committees; annual reports, correspondence, ledgers, budget worksheets, agency reports, campaign materials, including solicitation lists and letters, campaign studies and reports; brochures and surveys; and printed materials and photographs.

Terms of Access and Use:

The collection is open for research.

Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Historical Note

In 1969, representatives from Northampton, Easthampton, Hadley, Hatfield, and Williamsburg dissolved their respective Community Chests and established the Hampshire United Fund. The goal of the Hampshire United Fund was primarily the same as that of the Community Chest forerunners: to raise funds for and distribute funds to local and national social service organizations in the community.

The structure of the Hampshire United Fund was similar to the earlier Community Chests, with its Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and various standing committees. In addition to these volunteer positions, the Hampshire United Fund added a paid position of Executive Director who was responsible for the general management of the organization.

William Scott was the first Executive Director, holding the position from 1969-74. Scott was the Executive Secretary for the Northampton Community Chest in 1968-69. Fritz Heinemann was Executive Director 1975-78. Heinemann's time was divided between the Hampshire United Way (80%) and the Amherst Community Chest (20%). John Sheehan became Executive Director in 1978.

The Hampshire United Fund evolved in response to community needs. In 1973, the parent body, the United Fund, changed its name to the United Way of America; the Hampshire United Fund changed its name to the Hampshire United Way. In 1973, Westhampton joined the Hampshire United Way, raising the number of towns in the organization to six. In 1974, a total of fifteen communities comprised the Hampshire United Way. It was not until 1978 that Amherst dissolved its independent Community Chest and merged with the United Way. This single organization was renamed the Hampshire Community United Way.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

The records of the Hampshire Community United Way document the administration, activities, and community campaigns of the non-profit organization from its founding in 1969 through a period of rapid growth and expansion in the 1970s and early 1980s. Records include minutes of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, financial and other standing committees; annual reports, correspondence, ledgers, budget worksheets, agency reports, campaign materials, including solicitation lists and letters, campaign studies and reports, brochures and surveys; printed materials, and photographs.


Information on Use
Terms of Access and Use
Restrictions on access:

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Cite as: Hampshire Community United Way Records (MS 47). Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

History of the Collection

The records of the Hampshire Community United Way were placed on deposit at the University of Massachusetts Special Collections and University Archives by John Sheehan on behalf of the United Way in 1985.

Processing Information

Processed by Anneliese Ostendarp, June 1985.


Additional Information
Contact Information
Special Collections and University Archives
W.E.B. Du Bois Library
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9275

Phone: (413) 545-2780
Fax: (413) 577-1399
Language
English.