Frequently
Asked Questions
Basic
Facts About the United Way System
United Way is a national network of nearly 1,300 local organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and basic needs. These are the building blocks for a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and access to basic needs.
Local United Ways create long-lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of the most significant local issues. Common focus areas include helping children and youth achieve their potential, promoting financial stability and independence, and improving access to basic needs. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems.
It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. So we bring together people from all across the community–government, business, faith groups, nonprofits, the labor movement, ordinary citizens–to tackle the issues. Because we all win when a child succeeds in school, when a family becomes financially stable, when people have good health.
Administrative Costs
A vast network of volunteers and the simplicity of
corporate payroll deduction keep administrative expenses
low - averaging 13 percent of all funds raised at the
largest United Ways. This figure compares favorably
with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines
of up to 35 percent. Click
here to learn more about United Way for Southeastern
Michigan's standards.
United Way of America
United
Way of America is a national organization dedicated
to leading the United Way movement in making measurable
impact in every community across America. It invests
in the programs and services that strengthen the ability
of local United Ways to identify and build a coalition
around a set of community priorities and measure success
based on community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following is a compilation of
questions.
Why should I give to United Way?
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is creating long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems. We don’t just address the symptoms of a problem. We go deeper to get at the underlying causes. There are basic things that we all need for a good life: our basic needs, a quality education that leads to a stable job, and income that can support a family through retirement. United Way is committed to a focused application of our resources on the most critical needs facing our region: education, income and basic needs.
Where does my contribution go?
United Way is focused on the building blocks for a better life:
- Education - Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential
- Income - Promoting Financial Stability and Independence
- Basic Needs - Improving People’s Lives and Access & Navigation to Services
Through work with our partner agencies and United Way programs like Operation ABC, 2-1-1 and 2-1-1 On the Go, and the Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative, we are able to make lasting impact in these three areas for the region.
I pay my own way. I'm not going to use these services, so why should I support them?
It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. By bridging what divides us and working together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own.
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when all people’s basic needs are met.
Is my contribution used effectively?
Yes. Our shift to focus on the three most critical issues facing the region has permeated every aspect of our organization. We have created a comprehensive public policy strategy, restructured our leadership and operations, and have aligned all of our resources to education, income and basic needs.
By focusing funding in these three critical areas, the contributions United Way receives can be allocated to achieve greater impact on regional transformation. We are focusing on the areas that the community told us were important. And now that we have selected the best partners and programs to help move the Agenda for Change forward, we are committed to open accountability for these resource application decisions. We have created a scorecard to measure results and will be reporting back to share our progress on an ongoing basis.
How can overhead cost be so low?
We always want to be good stewards of money given to us by the community. We focus our attention on making all of the resources we receive (time, talent, etc) as impactful as possible to change social conditions. More than 20,000 volunteers from across the tri-county area 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 needs to be met.
Is my gift really important? Will my contribution be missed if I don't give?
It takes all of us doing our part. Each contribution - small or large - adds together to become a powerful force for caring. You might not need these services today, but your gift is an investment that helps ensure services will be there for you and your family if needed in the future.
I would like to help, but just can't afford it.
Every gift helps, no matter how small. But giving is just one way that you can make a difference. United Way needs advocates and volunteers to help create the lasting impact we seek. Help a child learn to read by grade 3. Make a difference in the lives of families and people in your community by lending a hand, or an hour. Advocate on behalf of the issues and policies that can help make an impact in education, income and basic needs. Log on to www.iliveunited.org or call 2-1-1 to learn how you can make a difference not just by giving, but also by volunteering and advocating.
I have given generously in the past.
Why should I increase my gift?
The economic landscape and outlook for Southeast Michigan has dramatically changed. And with it, the issues facing families and individuals in our communities have become greater in number and more acute. Through our recent open call for investment, United Way received 361 proposals for funding from non-profit agencies throughout Southeastern Michigan. The total request for funding from all 361 proposals combined exceeded $92 million. With $59 million raised during our 2007 annual fund drive, we could not possibly fund all the proposals received. Now, more than ever, we have to do more with less. And in neighborhoods throughout the region, families and individuals who may have never before faced financial hardships need help. We need everyone working together to reach out a hand do what they can.
Does United Way condone pressure in giving?
No. United Way is on record opposing it. United Way is an excellent way to meet community needs, but everyone's gift should be voluntary.
If I don't like one of the charities, why should I give during the United Way campaign?
While donor choice is important to us and the designation process is still in place, United Way’s shift to focus on three impact areas means that now, you can give to make a difference in Income, Education or Basic Needs. Chose an issue that you care about. We will use your contribution efficiently and strategically to create lasting change in the region. And we will hold ourselves accountable to you for achieving our objective, sharing with you our scorecard and outcomes throughout the process.
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