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How does United Way work?
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There are so many problems facing our communities today - drugs, homelessness, illiteracy, poverty, worries about care of children and the elderly to name just a few - and it's not always easy to figure out how to help. So many groups are asking for your support, and you want to be sure that the time and money you give really makes a difference. That's what United Way is all about.
United Way is one of the best ways to build strong communities and help people in need. It's a system based on the principle that, united, we are stronger than we can ever be alone.
Each of the over 1,300 local United Ways raises funds for community needs. In many campaigns, you can designate where your contribution will go. Given a choice, most contributors prefer to have people who really know the community helping to decide how their dollars will do the most good. At each United Way, experienced volunteers from all walks of life work to make sure your money is well spent. They select and monitor critical human care services that address the needs of their own communities - agencies and programs that make a real difference in people's lives. Money given locally works locally.
You give to United Way, United Way funds a wide variety of programs and services, and these services help people in your community all year long.
And United Way isn't just a fund-raising organization. Local United Ways work in close partnership with private businesses, governments and non-profits to pinpoint and address critical community issues. United Way builds and maintains human service support structures that create healthier and stronger communities.
United Ways are committed to keeping costs low, with much of the work being done by volunteers. That way, you may be sure your money is used efficiently and effectively - that nearly all your contribution is getting to people who need your help.
United Way works because of the generosity of people like you, who give their time and money to strengthen their community. To the volunteers, contributors, and to anyone whose interest has led you to our site, Thank You! |
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Who runs United Way?
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You make up the United Way team along with your friends, co-workers and neighbors. Over 200 volunteers donate their time each year to set goals, organize campaigns, solicit gifts, budget funds, identify and determine community priorities and allocate funds.
Your local United Way has 27 dedicated board members who are in charge of maintaining a quality United Way and plotting its strategic course into the future.
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What are United Way funds used for?
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Local agencies come to UWSCC each year to request funds for specific programs. This year UWSCC is funding 38 programs in 24 local agencies. These programs have been thoroughly vetted by our allocation panelists and have a proven record of measurable results. |
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Don't my tax dollars take care of all this?
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NO, THEY DON'T. Since the mid-30s, federal tax dollars have been funneled to provide certain categories of help. Generally these programs are direct sustenance programs, like food and shelter. United Way- supported agencies provide a whole range of services from cradle to grave. |
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Why should I give if I don't use the agencies?
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Because you are helping those who cannot help themselves. Because helping local non-profits improves the health of our entire community. And because you may need the services of one of the agencies sometime in the future. In this way, your contribution is like buying insurance against some personal mishap. It's almost impossible to predict if we will need the help of a United Way agency in our lifetime. |
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Why do some agencies charge fees?
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The total cost of services provided by United Way partner agencies is significantly more than the amount allocated by United Way. Thus, nearly all agencies charge for services on a sliding-scale basis. |
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What if I can't afford to pay an agency's fee?
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Clients who can afford to pay, do so. Often, services are charged on a sliding fee scale. The poorest among us pay nothing. |
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Are United Way agencies just for the poor?
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No. Dollars contributed to United Way are allocated where they will do the most good for the entire community. Partner agencies' services target all people, no matter their income level. Perhaps you, a member in your family, or one of your neighbors or co-workers has benefited from services provided with United Way funding. UWSCC funds partner agency programs that provide basic needs and crisis intervention, nurture children and youth, improve healthy living, enrich the lives of our seniors, and strengthen families. |
