Campaign FAQ

The following is a compilation of questions frequently asked of campaign volunteers. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact your Campaign Representative.

1. What is the 2009 United Way Campaign theme?
2. Who is the 2009 General Campaign Chair?
3. Who is helped by the United Way?
4. Why should I give to United Way?
5. Where does my contribution go?
6. Is my contribution used effectively?
7. How can overhead cost be so low?
8. Is my gift really important?
9. I would like to help, but just can't afford it.
10. My spouse gives for both of us.
11. I have given generously in the past. Why should I increase my gift?
12. I pay my own way. I'm not going to use these services, so why should I support them?
13. Why give to United Way when government programs support local agencies?
14. Does United Way condone pressure in giving?
15. If I don't like one of the charities, why should I give during the United Way campaign?

1. What is the 2009 United Way Theme?

The theme of this year's campaign is "LIVE UNITED".

LIVE UNITED is not just a catchy phrase... it’s the way we see ourselves and our committment to those around us. It’s based on the notion that underneath everything we are, and everything we do, we are all people. Connected. Interdependent. United. And when we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

2. Who is the 2009 General Campaign Chair?

Bruce Iacobucci, President & CEO, First Federal Bank is chairman.

See Bruce on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uwbucks

3. Who is helped by United Way contributions?
One out of three Bucks County residents benefit from the agencies supported by United Way dollars. The community impact fund supports over 50 programs at 34 community service agencies that target existing and emerging community needs.

4. Why should I give to United Way?
Your donation to United Way not only supports over 50 community services and programs that target existing and emerging community needs, but also works to get at the root causes of problems. Amazing and vital services are provided to thousands of people in Bucks County every day through United Way programs and services. These numbers are wonderful, but the results are even better.

5. Where does my contribution go?
With every dollar you pledge through your company's payroll deduction system, you get and make change. In return for your contribution to the United Way, you support job training that develops skills; wellness programs that promote safe choices and healthy tomorrows; daycare, after school and camping programs that instill solid values and teach responsibility; and revitalization projects that help residents restore and reclaim their neighborhoods.

6. Is my contribution used effectively?
Dollars raised during the 2008 campaign are being invested in over 50 programs and other services in Bucks County. Each program identifies problems and concerns in our community and then presents its funding needs to the volunteer allocation committee. These volunteers, over 55 strong, represent the corporate, labor and community sectors, then review and make recommendations on each request based upon our community-wide assessment. This careful review process assures that your contribution helps where help is needed most.

United Way's year-round administrative and campaign costs amounted to 14.5 cents of each dollar raised in 2008. This makes United Way's overhead costs among the lowest in the nation. We spend your dollars as they are intended--to help people. And all of your dollars stay right here in our own community.

7. How can overhead cost be so low?
Hundreds volunteers from across the county assist United Way in helping those in need. They do everything from collecting contributions to deciding where the money will go. In addition, companies encourage their employees to assist United Way staff and volunteers during the campaign as Loaned Executives. This keeps overhead costs low, allowing more health and human service needs to be met.

8. Is my gift really important? Will my contribution be missed if I don't give?
Yes, your gift would be missed. We can't depend on others to meet our community's needs. It takes all of us doing our part. Each contribution - small or large - adds together to become a powerful force for caring. Through large and small agencies, this force provides people assistance with health and human service needs, assistance that would not be possible without United Way support. You might not need these services today, but you make an investment in a safety net that will be there for you and your family if needed sometime in the future.

9. I would like to help, but just can't afford it.
Any amount, even if your gift seems small, will help. Rising costs have made it difficult for all of us to make ends meet. It's just as hard, or even harder, for those who need help from one of the many agencies supported by your United Way contributions. A payroll deduction pledge allows you to make a generous contribution in manageable portions each pay. Join with your fellow employees to help create real change in our community.

10. My spouse gives for both of us.
United Way's giving concept is based on each individual contributing at his or her workplace. It's important that each person give something to do his or her part. This is necessary for United Way to meet our community's needs throughout Bucks County.

11. I have given generously in the past. Why should I increase my gift?
Your generosity is very much appreciated. However, with increasing costs and increasing requests for services, your gift does not go nearly as far as it may have two or three years ago. And many people who may never have sought services before are doing so now. Think more about the current value of your gift in relation to the increased needs of those who have nowhere else to turn.

12. I pay my own way. I'm not going to use these services, so why should I support them?
It's possible that you might never use United Way services, but statistics show that you or a member of your family probably have or will use United Way services at some point in your lives. Many of us use United Way services weekly, such as neighborhood programs at the YMCA, the Boy Scouts, and the Red Cross. Additionally, try and think about what your community would be like if women who were being abused had nowhere to turn, people with no income were homeless with nowhere to live, parents could not afford to send their children to day care. We enjoy our communities because of a high quality of life. Part of the reason for that quality of life is due to the strength of the human service sector and United Way.

13. Why give to United Way when government programs support local agencies?
While government dollars, in combination with private dollars, are used to fund certain services in our community, government cutbacks continue to seriously reduce the ability of agencies to provide essential levels of service. The agencies in our area need United Way, as well as increased help from its contributors.

14. Does United Way condone pressure in giving?
Absolutely Not! United Way is on record opposing it. United Way is an excellent way to meet community needs, but everyone's gift should be voluntary.

15. If I don't like one of the charities, why should I give during the United Way campaign?
A major advantage of giving to United Way is that it assures that a variety of programs and services will receive funding. Donors empower United Way Community Impact volunteers and professional staff to work together to connect their contribution with the greatest need in the community. While you may find an agency you don't like or don't understand, by withholding support, a person is penalizing many other agencies that are providing important services. Remember--the charities you do like chose United Way to help fund them. They would want their supporters to participate in the campaign.