Why should I support United Way instead of other agencies directly?

The stability and strength of our community depends on our ability to meet people's needs and to encourage their self-sufficiency. The scope of problems such as substance abuse, illiteracy and homelessness is so great that no one agency can solve them alone. That's why the best investment in our community is an investment made through United Way. Through the United Way, we can mobilize many individuals, agencies and resources to tackles some of our community's toughest problems. Partnerships with other private and public funders ensures that our efforts complement one another. By working together, we can leverage our resources, focus them where they are most needed and measure their impact.

In addition to funding services provided by 39 health and human service agencies in Erie County, United Way:

  • identifies changing community needs, establishes priorities and funds programs
  • cuts fund-raising costs through a united campaign
  • offers contributors the convenience of payroll deduction
  • provides information about human services and helps people find the services they need

How much of my contribution will go to support human services?

Experienced community volunteers who are knowledgeable about local needs monitor agencies and ensure that United Way contributions are well spent. These volunteers study the impact of each agency's services on community needs. They review agency budgets and funding requests and make sure that agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain a policy of non-discrimination. They then decide how much money each agency will receive.

How do I know that the money I contribute really goes to providing services?

United Way is held accountable for the money it raises by a group of informed community volunteers who form the board and citizen review committees. These volunteers allocate money based on agency and community needs to make sure that designated funds are distributed according to contributors' wishes. The United Way strictly adheres to stringent standards of accounting and financial reporting which govern the fiscal affairs of voluntary health and human service organizations.

May I designate my gift to a specific agency?

While you may designate your gift to a specific nonprofit health and human service organization, we strongly encourage you to consider the benefits of pooling your contribution with the thousands of other United Way donors in Erie County who are making a real difference in our community.

Experienced volunteers who are knowledgeable about local needs monitor agencies and ensure that undesignated United Way contributions are well spent. These volunteers study the impact of each agency's services on community needs. They review agency budgets and funding requests and make sure that agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain a policy of non-discrimination. Your United Way contribution is a guaranteed investment in improving the lives of your family, friends, and neighbors right here in Erie County.

How does the United Way Annual Campaign help employees?

Your organization's United Way campaign informs employees about programs and services for their families, friends and the community including:

  • Day care for children and elderly
  • Emergency shelter
  • Employment training and placement
  • Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse
  • Adult literacy training
  • Mental health services
  • Health services
  • Family and marital counseling

In addition, the United Way provides information channels that will link employees to other services and demonstrates the important role every employee can play in strengthening the community.

Why can't I get my favorite (and worthwhile) agency in United Way?

There are hundreds of worthwhile nonprofit organizations on Erie County, but with limited resources at our disposal it would be impossible to effectively support every one of them. Our commitment is to invest your United Way donations into the most highly performing programs at agencies meeting the most pressing community needs.

Experienced community volunteers who are knowledgeable about local needs monitor agencies and ensure that United Way contributions are well spent. These volunteers study the impact of each agency's services on community needs. They review agency budgets and funding requests and make sure that agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain a policy of non-discrimination.

Some agencies cannot meet United Way membership requirements, while others follow national policies requiring them to operate independently. Still others are not admitted because their programs closely resemble or duplicate existing programs, or they cannot consistently demonstrate significant and measurable improvement in the lives of their clients.

 
 

Payroll deduction gives you an easy way to make a big difference a little bit at a time.

 


Who decides how much money each agency will receive?

Experienced community volunteers who are knowledgeable about local needs monitor agencies and ensure that United Way contributions are well spent. These volunteers study the impact of each agency's services on community needs. They review agency budgets and funding requests and make sure that agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain a policy of non-discrimination. They then decide how much money each agency will receive.

Who pays for campaign luncheons and other meetings ?

The cost of meetings and special events are covered by: Corporate or individual sponsor(s); guests who pay their own way or are sponsored by their employers; or a combination of the above.

How much is spent on campaign costs and overheads?

Because it is largely supported by volunteers, the United Way incurs low overhead costs. All administrative and fund-raising costs are about 15 percent. Also, United Way of Erie County does not pay indirect costs on any of the projects it funds. United Way is recognized nationally as one of the most effective, cost-efficient human service organizations.

Why aren't all agencies included in United Way ?

United Way operates on behalf of the residents of Erie County, and our commitment is to invest your United Way donations into the most highly performing programs at agencies meeting the most pressing community needs.

Some agencies cannot meet United Way membership requirements, while others follow national policies requiring them to operate independently. Still others are not admitted because their programs closely resemble or duplicate existing programs, or they cannot consistently demonstrate significant and measurable improvement in the lives of their clients.

With limited resources at our disposal, it would be impossible to effectively support all of the hundreds of nonprofit agencies in Erie County.

Why do some United Way agencies charge fees?

Some agencies charge fees for service. Such fees are usually scaled to reflect consideration of the individual's ability to pay. This sliding scale makes it possible to stretch your United Way dollars and allow many more people to receive help. While some services may be limited due to funds available, no one is refused service because of an inability to pay.





I can't afford to give to United Way.

Emergencies, physical and mental illness, disabilities and the problems of growing up and growing old know no economic boundaries. You never know when you or a member of your family may need the services of a United Way member agency. And your United Way contribution ensures that help will be there. Only you can decide if you can or cannot afford to support United Way agency programs and services. For as little as $1 each week through payroll deduction, you can provide after-school activities for a child whose parents both work. Two dollars per week can provide home visits by a physical therapist. And $5 per week will provide 12 nights of emergency shelter for an abused woman and her children.

I feel like I'm being pressured to give.

United Way believes that giving is a personal matter and a personal decision. Whether or not an individual chooses to give and how much he/she gives is entirely up to the individual. No form of forced giving is acceptable. However, pressure is something that is perceived and interpreted differently by everyone. Some feel pressure simply by being asked to give.

How much of my contribution pays for the NFL commercials?

United Way does not pay for the NFL commercials. Players donate their time to make the commercials and the NFL provides public service time free of charge to air them during NFL games on behalf of the United Way. As part of their public service programming, newspapers, television and radio stations often include public service announcements for the United Way and affiliate agencies free of charge.

Does United Way fund abortions?

United Way of Erie County does not, nor has ever, funded abortion services or agencies that provide abortions.

Why doesn't United Way take more of a public stand on controversial issues?

United Way was founded on respect for the diversity that exists in our community and the rights and dignity of all persons to seek and use the services that are legally available to them. United Way does not encourage or discourage services or positions associated with any issue or program which pits groups of citizens against one another. We are most effective as a unifying force in the community. We cannot do our job effectively if we become involved in controversial or political issues that tend to divide the community.



©2006 United Way of Erie County