United is the Way is more than a campaign theme. It’s a reminder that strong communities are built by people who choose to care for one another—and that lasting change happens when we work together. Across Mower County, individuals, businesses, volunteers, and nonprofit partners come together to meet immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions that help our neighbors thrive. Every gift, every volunteer hour, every conversation, and every helping hand becomes part of something greater—expanding opportunities, strengthening families, and helping build a brighter future.
Through United Way of Mower County, that collective effort is focused on the areas that matter most. Together, we support Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Basic Needs—connecting our neighbors to resources today while addressing the barriers that can stand in the way of a stronger tomorrow.
We know there is still work to be done. But we also know that when our community stands united, there is no challenge too great and no goal beyond our reach. Building a stronger Mower County takes people who are willing to invest, organizations willing to collaborate, and neighbors willing to show up for one another. It takes all of us.
That’s the power of being united.
When we give together, we create greater impact. When we work together, we expand opportunity. When we stand together, we help more of our neighbors move forward.
Mower County has a long history of neighbors helping neighbors. This campaign is an opportunity to carry that spirit forward—to build on what we’ve accomplished and continue creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
United is the Way forward. United is the Way we create opportunity. United is the Way we build a stronger community for everyone. Join us.
Our focus on basic needs, youth opportunity, financial security and healthy community builds a strong foundation for Mower County. These areas are deeply connected: when neighbors have the tools and resources to bounce back from challenges, they strengthen community resiliency. When families gain financial security, new opportunities open for stability and growth. When young people are supported, they have the chance to reach their full potential. And when health and well-being are prioritized, the entire community thrives. By investing in these four impact areas, we’re not just meeting immediate needs—we’re creating long-term solutions that make Mower County a better place for everyone. Supporting United Way of Mower County means making a lasting commitment to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.
impact in action:
United Way of Mower County stretches your donation to more than 20 local nonprofits. The organizations below are just some of those impacted by your generosity:
mythbusters:
MYTH: MY DONATION DOESN’T STAY HERE IN MY COMMUNITY
FACT: Every dollar invested in United Way benefits Mower County. We believe in taking care of our own and we want to build a thriving community where we all live, work, and raise our families. United Way of Mower County (UWMC) does contribute a small percentage (1%) of total campaign revenue to United Way Worldwide (UWW) annually for membership dues; however, this money is returned to the community in multiple ways. UWW membership benefits to UWMC include administrative, fundraising, and marketing support; training opportunities; and shared services that help us save costs.
MYTH: I DON’T HAVE A LOT TO GIVE SO I CAN’T MAKE MUCH IMPACT
FACT:Your investment in United Way makes a huge difference for our community. There are so many things in this world that are out of our control, but today in Mower County 2 in 5 households are unable to cover the cost of basic needs. Right here in Austin, 3 in 7 renter households are cost-burdened and struggle to make ends meet. These are things we can address together, today, with United Way. From $1 to $1 million, investments in United Way’s Community Impact Fund fuel the support for thousands of people in need to help change their lives for the better.
MYTH: MOST OF MY DONATION IS GOING TO OVERHEAD EXPENSES SO I SHOULD JUST GIVE TO AGENCIES DIRECTLy
FACT:90 cents of every donated dollar go directly to critical programs and services while just 10 cents are spent on operations (90% and 10%). For context:
CharityWatch states that it’s reasonable for most nonprofits to spend up to 25% on operations
The Better Business Bureau says that no more than 35% should be spent on operations
Charity Navigator reports that the majority of charities listed on its site - seven out of ten nonprofits – spend 30% on operations
Donors can be proud to support United Way, too. Investing 10 cents in operations is essential for effectively carrying out our mission and maximizing our impact. With those 10 cents, United Way:
Integrates our community’s systems so that nonprofits, healthcare, and social services can better align to help those in need
Convenes and participates on many community coalitions, initiatives, and collaboratives to address challenges facing Mower County and build a stronger community
Collects, processes and transfers donations on behalf of over twenty health, education, and human services agencies in the region (many indicate that participating in the United Way campaign is an effective, efficient way for them to fundraise)
MYTH: UNITED WAY PROGRAMS JUST PROVIDE HANDOUTS & A BANDAID SOLUTION TO OUR COMMUNITY’S PROBLEMS
FACT: The only band-aids we hand out are to kids getting in their health and fitness requirements in our after-school and summer learning programs. United Way is dedicated to identifying the greatest needs in the community and investing Community Impact Fund dollars in evidence-based and preventative programs. All United Way partner programs and initiatives are monitored, measured, and evaluated regularly to confirm they’re achieving positive results for our community and local people in need.
MYTH: UNITED WAY ONLY HELPS PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN
FACT: We invest in a network of partner programs that help people across Mower County. Whether it’s an ambulance service in Adams or a backpack program in Grand Meadow our programs are connecting resources to help people in need wherever they are.
MYTH: I’M NEVER GOING TO NEED THESE SERVICES, SO I HAVE NO REASON TO DONATE
FACT:When our community thrives, we all thrive.
One more local kid in after-school programs means one more high school graduate ready to take on the world.
One more local family with stable housing means one less deteriorating house causing property values to decline.
One more local elder with safe transportation means one less emergency hospital visit driving up healthcare costs.
MYTH: AT XYZ COMPANY WE’RE FORCED TO GIVE TO THE UNITED WAY
FACT: For starters, we’re sorry you feel that way. We would never want anyone to feel forced to give to something they don’t believe in. United Way does not encourage companies to coerce employees to give. We work with companies to help them offer United Way as a simple, convenient way for their employees to invest in our community.
MYTH: UNITED WAY isn't fiscally responsible
FACT: United Way has a four-star rating on Charity Navigator, scoring 100% for accountability and finance. Learn more at www.charitynavigator.org/ein/410831896 and give with confidence today.
