United Way of Central Iowa raised $25,084,249 for its 2011 campaign, the highest total in the organization’s 94-year history and $1 million higher than it raised in 2010.

This year also marked the fifth consecutive year of community United Way support of more than $24 million. Central Iowa ranks second only to Seattle in per capita United Way giving among the country’s largest United Ways. Overall, Central Iowa’s largest corporate employers gave a total of $15.7 million, nearly 6 percent higher than last year’s results, with five companies raising $1 million or more — The Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo and Company, Nationwide Companies, Aviva USA, and Pioneer.

“We are proud that more than 40,000 central Iowans supported the campaign this year. This total includes 5,000 people who gave to the United Way campaign for the first time, and more than 9,000 previous donors who increased their giving,” said Steve Lacy, campaign chair and Meredith Corp. chairman and CEO.