In 1887, the United Way concept was born in Denver when Frances Jacobs of the Ladies Relief Society, two priests, a rabbi and two ministers confronted the critical need for human services and organized a united effort to meet those needs. The charity organization they formed planned and coordinated services and collected funds for 22 agencies in a single campaign.

In 1953, Lew Allbee, chairman of the Kiwanis Community Affairs Committee, invited a speaker from the national Chest organization to talk to representatives of clubs and organizations in Los Alamos. Shortly afterwards, an open planning meeting was held at the little theatre of the high school giving birth to the Los Alamos Community Chest, Inc. The first meeting of the Board of Trustees was held in April 1954.

In October 1954, the first fund drive was held successfully. In 1955, the Community Chest raised $29,192. This was accomplished by 3,206 contributors; about 60% of the total individuals employed on the hill.

By 1962, the Community Chest continued to gain strength, raising almost $44,500 for 12 local health and human service organizations. Some of the agencies first awarded funds included the Salvation Army, Los Alamos Chapter-American Red Cross, N.M. Society of Crippled Children and Adults, Little League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Los Alamos Heart Council, Police Athletic League, Los Alamos Cancer Clinic and The Family YMCA.

In early 2005, after several name changes over the years, the organizations name was changed to United Way of Northern New Mexico, serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Counties. In recent years United Way has had very successful campaigns; increasing dollars raised from $535,000 in 1990 to $1,602,000 in the fall of 2006. United Way of Northern New Mexico currently provides funding to eighteen health and human service organizations.