Following the Industrial Revolution, as Americans became more wealthy and successful, it was obvious that not everyone was sharing in the newly earned bounty. Many in society were still left wanting, and many of those who were successful did not want to turn a blind eye to the needy. Money was raised in many communities through what was known as the Community Chest.

In 1931, The Community Chest was established in Riverside. In that first year, $62,000 was raised. Four years later, a group of Riverside residents, fearing the impact “modern society and economic conditions” had on the area, formed the Riverside County Coordinating Council. By 1938, this council evolved into the Riverside Community Chest, supporting eleven member agencies.

In 1944, The Community Chest became The War Chest during World War II. Following the war, Riverside Community Chest resumed its name until 1954, when it became the United Fund of Riverside. In 1955, United Fund raised $266,000.

In 1975, United Fund of Riverside became United Way of the Riverside Area, following the introduction of the United Way name on National Football League telecasts. 1980 marked the first year that United Way of the Riverside Area exceeded $1 million in contributions.

1987 was another banner year for United Way. The name was changed to United Way of the Inland Valleys to represent the 21 Western Riverside County communities that it serves. 1987 also marked the first time that the United Way campaign exceeded $2 million, raising $2,100,000. The $3 million mark was first exceeded in 1990.

Since 1994, United Way of the Inland Valleys has raised more than the previous year for eleven consecutive years. Giving overall has increased 55% since 1995, more than any other California United Way. The 2000 campaign was the first to break the $4 million mark, and the 2005 campaign raised a record $4,409,800.

In 2006, as United Way of the Inland Valleys celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary, it supports over 90 programs and services offered through 42 member agencies. As the region continues to grow at a record pace, the needs continue to increase, but the generosity of the region is also increasing.