Common Campaign Questions & Answers

There are a lot of charities out there. How do I know my money is going to a legitimate one?

Every United Way program must adhere to high standards. Each program must meet UW’s standards of quality and efficiency. The program must

• Be recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization.
• Be governed by a volunteer board of directors.
• Provide for a health or human service need.
• Be audited annually by a CPA firm.
• Submit monthly financial statements.
• Operate at a reasonable cost.

Why should I give through the United Way?

Workplace payroll deduction is the easiest and most efficient way for your gift to help the people who need help the most. By donating to the United Way campaign, your gift will be equally spread throughout the community to the areas of greatest need, creating a healthier and safer environment where we work and live. The services that your gift enables target early childhood, basic needs, health and wellness, families, youth, and older adults.

Wouldn’t it be easier if I gave directly to local agencies?

Agencies work with United Way because they find it tremendously helps their efforts to stay focused on their mission in the community, saving them the time and expense of having to depend solely on their own fundraising efforts. Payroll deduction creates a steady flow of funds to each agency throughout the year for which they are held fiscally responsible – so you know they are credible and your gift is solely being used to better the community.

Can I trust the United Way with my money?

Yes. And here’s why: Community volunteers direct United Way and review finances monthly. Volunteers are involved with making all funding decisions as well. Additionally, United Way is audited by an independent accounting firm every year.

I don’t want to support one of the funded programs. What do I do?

You can exclude certain programs by indicating so on your pledge form in the negative designation box.

A friend of mine wasn’t helped through United Way. Why should I give?

I’m very glad that you brought this up. Without prying, is there any way that I could get the details of when and where your friend needed help and the response that they got from United Way? If one of United Way’s funded agencies cannot provide services to any individual, our policy is to refer them to some place that will help them. If I could get the details then I will be able to ensure that it does not happen again.

I never use agency services, so why should I give?

Chances are, your or someone you know has benefited from a UW funded program. In fact, if your or someone in your family has ever been involved in Scouting, ever taken a Red Cross first aid course or received services from the American Cancer Society, you have been served by a UW funded program.

I’d like to give to United Way. What do I do?

Just fill out the pledge form. Keep the last copy for your tax records and give the other copies to me. It’s as simple as that.