Since its inception, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies has been a prominent force in New York City's social service system. From encouraging groundbreaking advocacy to responding to the social and economic needs of individuals, FPWA has always been at the forefront of program and service development to drive change.
FPWA was organized in 1922 through a committee of Protestants appointed by the Commissioner of Public Welfare in New York City. There was a concern about the lack of coordination in the work of institutions for Protestant children. The objectives of the organization were to: form an association of agencies interested in the care of dependent, neglected and delinquent children of Protestant affiliation; act as a clearing house of information to the community; and, through this exchange of information, to ensure there was no group of dependents in need of care because of a lack of coordinated efforts.

By 1925 the name of the organization was changed from Federation of Institutions Caring for Protestant Children to Federation of Agencies Caring for Protestants so that agencies other than those caring for children could be admitted to membership.

In the 1930s, the organization sought to increase access to needed services and expanded its programs and services. The name was changed to Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies.

• FPWA Milestones

• FPWA's Building