What exactly does United Way do?

United Way makes measurable improvements in people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of the 11 communities in our service area.

Trained volunteers evaluate program proposals from participating agencies and make funding recommendations based on community need, efficiencies, and measurable results. The Community Assessment, which is the basis for our volunteers' funding decisions, is the heart of what United Way is all about. Every two to three years, United Way facilitates the assessment -- an objective, comprehensive study of our community's "health" - thereby allowing us to gain an accurate snapshot of what is and isn't working in our community.

United Way also seeks to address critical concerns in our communities by building consensus around a community health and human services plan. UWGN will focus financial and volunteer resources on the plan by engaging individuals, businesses, agencies and the people they serve, and then provide feedback on measurable progress toward our goals.

Additionally, United Way provides other Services to Agencies that add value to their relationship with us.

Where does the money come from?

Over 60 percent of United Way's funds come from employee campaigns at about 200 companies in our 11-community area. Another significant source of funding is from corporations' direct contributions. United Way also receives support from individuals, community organizations, and local governments. See our most recent campaign results.

Where does the money go?

Eighty-six percent of donations go to program services provided by IRS tax-exempt organizations, both locally and outside of our area. To learn more, click here.

How do I know that my donation will be effective?

United Way focuses on critical needs that affect many of us, such as health care, child care and safety, violence prevention, and food, clothing, and shelter. United Way funds programs to meet those needs and then measures the results to make sure progress is being made.

With Outcomes, we ask agencies to report how clients' lives have been improved as a result of programs that are supported by United Way's General Fund.

United Way honors donors' choices and will direct all or part of your gift to a specific agency at your request. However, United Way monitors only donations made to its General Fund.

Does United Way fund the same agencies every year?

In 2007, UWGN amended its community investment process to enhance its effectiveness and put limited General Fund dollars to the best possible use. UWGN opened its community investment process to any agency that meets eligibility criteria for program funding. This allows UWGN to fund the best available programs in the community as long as the agencies meet certification standards.
Also, instead of requiring agencies to apply for funding annually, UWGN made multi-year funding available for programs consistently deemed the most effective in improving people's lives. For agencies, the change means less paperwork and staff time devoted to writing and defending proposals that are highly rated by community investment volunteers. For UWGN, it allows more in-depth analysis of core problems in the community. The amount of funding each year will be subject to money available in the General Fund..

How do I know the money I contribute gets to
the agencies?

United Way is held accountable for the money it raises by the Board of Directors. Money is allocated based on community and agency needs, making sure that designated funds are distributed according to donors' wishes.

Does my gift make a difference?

You bet it does. Consider these examples:

• A gift of $1 per week provides a disadvantaged youth with four months of confidence building and leadership development programs designed to prevent negative behaviors.
  
• A gift of $3 per week provides six months of mentoring to youth.
  
• A gift of $5 per week provides four days of food and shelter for a homeless family of three.
  
• A gift of $10 per week provides eight nights of protection and supportive counseling for a woman and her child at a domestic violence shelter.

Also, when your gift to United Way's General Fund combines with thousands of other contributions, you can be assured that your donation will get the most "bang for the buck" in helping to improve lives in our communities.

Why do some United Way agencies charge fees?

It costs money to provide quality health and human services, especially programs that serve people at high risk or with complicated, chronic problems that require professional skills. Fees usually are set on a sliding scale to reflect the individual's ability to pay.

Why aren't all agencies affiliated with United Way?

Some agencies do not meet United Way standards, while others follow national policies requiring them to operate independently. Some do not receive United Way funding because their programs closely resemble or duplicate existing programs available to the population being served.

However, thousands of agencies not directly affiliated with United Way are eligible to receive financial support through United Way from contributors who designate their gifts. Therefore, United Way's campaign is open to all qualifying nonprofits that provide health and human service programs.

Who decides how much money programs and agencies will receive?

Members of our community who volunteer to participate in the community investment process decide how United Way campaign donations to the General Fund will be distributed among participating agencies that submit program funding proposals. Volunteers make sure that agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain policies that make services available to all segments of the community.

I feel like I'm being pressured to give.

United Way believes giving is a personal decision. Whether or not to donate and how much to give is entirely up to the individual. No form of forced giving is acceptable. United Way will refund any contribution if an individual believes he or she was forced to give.

May I direct my gift to a specific community problem or nonprofit agency?

Yes. United Way enables contributors to direct their money to critical need areas they believe are important. Donations can be targeted to a specific community need, health and human service agency, or specific United Way.

I can't afford to give to United Way.

Only you can decide if you can or cannot afford to give. For as little as $1.00 a week through payroll giving, however, you can provide two nights at a homeless shelter for a needy individual. Whatever you contribute does make a difference in improving lives in our communities.

I never use agency services. Why should I give?

The strength of a community is directly influenced by the health and well being of its residents. Every day United Way-supported programs help people - including some who may be your friends and neighbors - improve their lives. Your financial and volunteer support ensures that help is available for someone who needs it now or in the future. While you or your family may not need services immediately, you or someone you care about may need assistance from United Way-supported programs later.

Why doesn't United Way take more of a public stand on controversial issues?

United Way is founded on and pursues the principle of respect for the diversity that exists in our community and the rights and dignity of the people who see and use the services that are legally available to them. United Way provides a neutral ground for people of diverse interests and beliefs to join together for the greater good of our community. United Way also advocates for improved public policies in response to what volunteers and contributors consider to be priority community needs.

Aren't all United Ways the same?

No. While the 1,350 United Ways across the U.S. share principles and membership in United Way of America (a trade association), each is locally governed, independent, and autonomous. Each United Way community sets policies and procedures in accordance with standards established by locally governed Board of Directors.

Who monitors the money United Way uses to raise funds?

United Way strictly adheres to the stringent standards of accounting and financial reporting that govern the fiscal affairs of voluntary health and human service organizations. Each year, an independent accounting firm conducts an audit. Also, a volunteer committee composed of local business leaders monitors United Way finances and reports to the board of directors regularly.

How are salaries set at United Way?

Local volunteers set compensation levels for the United Way chief professional officer and senior staff. In determining salaries, the volunteers review compensation levels of nonprofits of similar size, budget, structure, mission, and scope.