Frequently Asked Questions
1)
What is United Way?
United Way of the Midlands is made of donors, partners and volunteers
discovering and responding to crucial needs in our community, finding resources
to meet those needs and following up to make sure the work gets done. United Way
is an organized, efficient and accountable system committed to advancing the
common good.
2) Why is there a United Way?
For more than 80 years, United Way has been the community solutions provider.
Donors have the confidence that their human service dollars go the furthest to
do the most good, supporting many programs through one effort. Local volunteers
use their knowledge of community problems to distribute funds where the needs
are greatest. To make the best use of contributor dollars, United Way holds
agencies accountable for the programs they run, only funding programs with good
results.
3) What is Community Impact?
At United Way of the Midlands, Community Impact is more than just a department—it’s
why we’re here. Community Impact
directs resources to programs that meet the needs of individuals and families.
Everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life: a quality EDUCATION that
leads to a stable job, enough INCOME to support a family through retirement,
and good HEALTH. Community Impact is a cost effective way to invest in a broad
range of services with a single contribution. Ultimately, Community Impact
represents community results. United Way annually evaluates Community Impact
funded programs to gauge and improve their effectiveness.
4) Why let United Way invest my donation?
By allowing United Way to invest your gift, you are ensuring that your gifts,
combined with those of others, are going to address the most critical needs in
the community. Local volunteers who are knowledgeable about community problems
determine the way to address priority needs, investing in proven programs with
measurable results.
5) How much should I give?
Only you can decide how much you can give. United Way offers several giving and
recognition opportunities. Many people elect to give 1% of their annual salary.
Payroll deduction makes giving easier.
6) How much of the money raised through United Way goes to provide services?
The percentage of total revenues generated by the organization that is being
returned to the community through competitive grants, initiatives and donor
directed funding is 88%.
7) I don’t use any of the agencies’ programs, so why should I
give through United Way?
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. While you
may not have school-age children, we all win when a child succeeds in school,
when at-risk families become self-sufficient and when all our neighbors have
good health.
8) I want to designate; why must I choose a United Way Certified Partner
Agency?
Growing concern that gifts contributed through United Way were leaving the
community and were directed at non-health and human service needs prompted the
United Way of the Midlands Board of Directors to limit designations to local
certified partners. When you choose to designate to one or more than 80
certified partners, you are choosing a local agency that meets high standards
and legal requirements and which is regularly assessed to meet quality
performance measures.
9) Why a minimum of $50 for each designation?
Designations cost more money to process than contributions directly to the
Community Impact Fund. Staff must take the time to verify that the organization
meets non-profit, legal and ‘Patriot Act’ requirements. This must be performed each time
the designation is paid. This $50 minimum helps us avoid spending your donation
on processing costs.
10) How do agencies receive their designations?
Designations to agencies are provided separately from any Community Impact
awards distributed through agency programs. Designations are sent throughout
the year after the campaign is closed and designation reports are completed.
11) How carefully are agency expenditures overseen?
An important element in United Ways comprehensive partner review is having
sound fiscal management. Oversight includes review of annual reports, a
certified audit, program expenditures and outcomes. United Way also provides
technical assistance and workshops to enhance the management and development of
financial resources.
12) Do United Way partner agencies have other income?
United Way funding represents only one component of each agency’s resource development plan. Most agencies have
developed additional income sources such as foundation grants, government
contracts, membership enrollment programs, special events and service fees
based on an individual’s ability to pay.
13) Doesn’t the government take care of
these health and human service problems?
Human service delivery is a shared responsibility of both the public and
nonprofit sectors. An excellent example of this partnership is the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance project, which engages United Way volunteers helping
low-income, working families prepare income taxes for free and also apply for
tax credits for which they were eligible but may not have been aware. Recent
public sector budget cuts and increasing costs for fuel and food are resulting
in even more people needing assistance. As a result, your gift through United
Way is increasingly important because it stays in the community to address
local needs.
14) Why should I give to United Way of the Midlands when I already give to my
favorite charity?
Many of us have a favorite charity for which we volunteer and support
financially. A gift through United Way recognizes problems experienced by
individuals, families and neighborhoods are rarely one-dimensional. Complex
problems require complex solutions which frequently involve multiple partners
providing program support to create lasting change. When you give through
United Way, you are supporting comprehensive solutions.
15) Who pays for United Way’s
special events?
Events held to thank and inspire volunteers and donors are paid for primarily
by ticket sales and sponsorships.
16) Can I be directly billed for my gift?
Yes you can. Direct bill requires a minimum donation of $100. Just check the
direct bill option on your pledge card and indicate your billing schedule
preference.
17) What is United Way of the Midlands relationship with United Way
Worldwide?
United Way of the Midlands is a separate, local organization governed by a
local, volunteer Board of Directors. United Way Worldwide is a service
association to which local United Ways may belong. United Way of the Midlands
pays less than a penny from each dollar raised through campaigns as service
fees for data, campaign analysis, research, national account development,
advertising, human resources assistance, staff and volunteer training and
campaign materials.
18) What is United Way’s policy against pressuring
employees to give?
United Way of the Midlands has a policy against coercion, and under no
circumstances should an employee be threatened or coerced into contributing.
Giving is a personal matter and a personal decision; whether people give and
how much they choose to give is up to each individual. The purpose of United
Way is to offer people an opportunity to care so that others can receive the
help they need. We hope you will give because you are able to and because you
feel good about it.
19) If I stop working, what happens to my pledge?
Should you stop working, your payroll deduction pledge stops, too. Your pledge
through United Way is made in good faith based upon your employment. When you
start a new job, ask to sign up for payroll deduction again or call United Way
for further details. If you are retiring, please contact United Way to continue
your contributions and volunteer your time. You may even find you have more
time to volunteer.
20) How do I find information about services when I need help?
Just dial 2-1-1 — United Way’s information and referral line. This 24-hour
service provides information and referral to hundreds of programs available in
the Midlands area.
21) Why does United Way want to know my birth date and e-mail address?
United Way of the Midlands is taking steps to thank and inform people about the
results of their contributions. Using your preferred e-mail address helps us to
reduce postage and printing costs. Having your birth date allows us to access
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation funds awarded to attract donors age
21-45. In order to track our progress in attracting donors in this age group,
we are now requesting birth dates from all donors. All of your information is
kept confidential. United Way of the Midlands does not sell or give away any personal
information to outside organizations.
22) What are affinity groups?
People like to be involved with others who have similar interests and goals.
The generic term for people who unite to further those interests is an Affinity
Group. United Way of the Midlands currently has two of these groups: Young
Leaders Society (YLS) and Women in Philanthropy. These affinity groups were
created to provide community involvement and personal development opportunities
to their members. YLS consists of donors age 21-45 and offers a step-up program
with a $250 minimum gift and a commitment to grow gifts to $1,000 within four
years. WIP additionally promotes an entry gift of $500 and its members share an
interest in promoting giving and advocacy around women and children’s issues.
23) What counties are served by United Way of the Midlands?
United Way of the Midlands currently serves six counties: Calhoun, Fairfield,
Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland.
