Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of giving through United Way?
- It feels good!
- Your gift goes to help people who really need it.
- It’s local. Funds raised in Mower County stay in Mower County to address local problems.
- It’s accountable. Volunteers who live in Mower County decide which programs received funds, and ensure that services are high quality and meet high priority community needs.
- It’s efficient. Volunteers help conduct the campaign to keep cost low.
- It’s effective. By bringing the community together, we accomplish more than we can do alone. United Way makes your caring count.
- It’s easy. Payroll deductions make giving simple.
Who decides how my contribution is spent and how carefully are agency expenditures monitored.
Volunteers, area residents like you, decide how much is allocated to each program. Volunteers from all segments of our community work together to review each agency’s budget and program budget each year. These volunteers assure contributors that every dollar is spent wisely. An important element programs need before receiving funds from United Way is sound fiscal management. This is ensured on a continuing basis by volunteer review of financial reports and annual audits.
Any Mower County resident, who donates, at any level, can volunteer on the United Way fund distribution panels. If you’re interested please contact Mandi at unitedml@smig.net
May I give directly to my favorite agency?
Yes you can, but think about this. We all have our favorite agencies and/or programs. United Way believes in the concept of investing in many different agencies and programs to ensure a variety of services are available. That is why the Community Investment process was begun – a concept where the volunteers make the decision regarding funding in the community. This guarantees that you are receiving accountability for the funds you contribute to United Way.
If you usually designate your gift, perhaps think about designating half this year to your favorite agency and half to the community fund.
I know United Way is a local agency, but don’t some of the dollars go to the national agency, United Way of America?
This is a common misconception about United Way. We are not a local chapter of a national organization. We are completely local and autonomous, run by local volunteers. We do send money to United Way of America for national advertising, research, government relations and continuing education. Annually, we send less than 1% each year.
Is my United Way contribution tax deductible?
Giving to United Way entitles taxpayers who file itemized returns to a tax deduction. If you itemize you can deduct the value of the cash, stock or property. Those donors who contribute gifts of $250 or more receive a receipt from United Way for use in their tax preparation. Please consult your tax advisor for information on your specific situation.
Can I afford to give?
It is true that some individuals may not be in a position to give because of their current financial situation. However, payroll deduction allows us an easy way to give a little each month, making it possible to help a lot on an annual basis. If you are unable to use payroll deduction United Way can bill you monthly/quarterly, etc. Remember every donation regardless of its size makes a difference in our community.
I won’t ever need a United Way services, will I?
United Way funded programs help everyone. It is a popular misconception that only the jobless and truly at risk seek help from United Way funded programs. Working people have problems and needs too – marital problems, child care needs, alcohol and drug abuse, troubled teen, aging parents and United Way programs are available to all. Also, many popular recreational agencies such as the YMCA and scouting programs receive United Way funding. Your United Way contribution helps your co-workers, your friends and your family.
I hear about someone who did not get help when they needed it.
It is very frustrating for individuals to need a specific service and not be able to find the type of help needed. United Way programs can’t always provide the help requested, but we will do everything we can to help the people in need identify the referral sources that do exist.