Campaign FAQ

I’ve never been helped by an agency. Why should I contribute?

While it is true many of the services provided by United Way-funded programs are for the poor, the hungry and those in need, there are agencies that provide other necessary community services. The character-building programs of the Boy and Girl Scouts, the emergency services provided by the American Red Cross and the Peace Center ’s conflict resolution and violence prevention programs for school kids. There are United Way agencies and programs you may not have heard of before. What makes United Way so effective is that people who are served by some lesser-known programs do not fall through the cracks.

I don’t like one of the agencies in the United Way package.

All United Way agencies provide valuable services to the community. An agency’s membership in United Way is based on programs and services it provides and not its popularity. Trained volunteers visit and evaluate United Way agencies throughout the year, and funds are allocated based on their findings. However, if you feel strongly about a particular service area, you may designate your contribution to that area or the member agency of your choice.

Why do some agencies charge fees for their services?

United Way agencies operate without discrimination. Many use a sliding fee scale, where clients pay what they can for the services they receive. By allowing clients to pay for the services, the agencies are able to stretch their United Way dollars to serve more people.

Why doesn’t United Way include all organizations?

First, not all agencies want to be a part of a single, community-wide campaign. Certain organizations have policies against joining local United Way campaigns. Second, United Way standards of financial accountability and program services are high. Some agencies would like to have the United Way seal of approval but don’t quite measure up.

I support a favorite charity of my own. Why give to United Way , too?

We all have our favorite charities, but the problems of the community are much larger than any one agency can handle. United Way agencies offer a broad mix of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our total community. The United Way campaign helps keep individual agency fund-raising costs low.

Does United Way money support church-related activities?

United Way funds agencies covering a wide range of services including some that are affiliated with churches. However, all agencies are funded because they meet a critical community need. United Way funds only the service programs, not the religious activities, of these agencies. Services by all United Way agencies are based on need, regardless of age, sex, race or religion.

BACK TO CAMPAIGN TOOLBOX MAIN