United Way of Central Iowa’s 2010 campaign raised the fourth-highest amount in the charity’s 93-year history, the group announced yesterday.

United Way raised $24,047,437, which exceeded the $24 million goal.

Principal Financial Group Inc., Wells Fargo & Co., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Aviva USA and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. all contributed more than $1 million for the campaign, which was led by Belin McCormick law firm partner Steve Zumbach. United Way announced Wednesday that Meredith Co. CEO Steve Lacy will lead the 2011 campaign.

“Our success comes from leaders who understand the importance of United Way’s mission of improving lives,” said Shannon Cofield, president of United Way of Central Iowa, in a press release.

Other donation efforts included:

-Ten Pacesetter organizations collectively raised $1.8 million, a 12 percent increase over 2009. The Pacesetters begin their efforts early to try to jump-start the campaign.

-A total of 34 new families and individuals joined the Tocqueville Society, which requires a $10,000 annual donation. United Way now has 295 Tocqueville members, who collectively contributed more than $4.3 million.

-The Women’s Leadership Connection had 39 new members, and the Emerging Leaders Initiative added 100 members, each at a minimum donation of $1,000.