|
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind
or organizations or agencies does United Way support?
United Way focuses on human services that affect
people, supporting 20 private non-profit agencies and 32 programs for people in
Burke County. These agencies have earned the right to be member agencies by
meeting our community’s highest standards of quality service, financial
efficiency and accountability.
2. Why do most
people give to
United Way?
Most people give to help others. They also give
because they know that a gift through United Way’s community care fund has the
added value of the Budget and Allocations process. Through this process, each
agency is evaluated annually by knowledgeable volunteers who recommend
allocation of funds.
Most organizations offer payroll deduction for
United Way donations, an option that allows employees to make much more generous
gifts by spreading the cost across an entire year.
3. Why should I
give through United Way’s
community care fund instead of just making a contribution to a single agency?
Because when you choose United Way’s community
care fund, your gift helps the most people! You’re giving to 20 agencies, some
are less well known, but whose work is equally vital to our community. In
addition, there is the added protection of United Way’s Budget and Allocations
process. You can rely on United Way to evaluate needs and direct dollars where
they are needed most.
4. If there is an
organization that is special to me, can I choose it to receive part or all of my
donation?
Burke County United Way recognizes that some
donors want to designate their contributions. While a donation to the Community
Care Fund help best, it has been and will continue to be our practice to accept
donor designations. Accordingly, donor designations are accepted for partner
agencies of Burke County United Way, United Ways in other counties, and other health and human service agencies with
501 (c) (3) status.
5. If you work in
Burke County and make a pledge at work, can you designate it to a United Way in
a neighboring county where you live?
Yes, that’s fine. And our United Way in turn
receives some designations from nearby counties. It’s all for the good cause of
helping our neighbors.
6. Does Burke County United Way
fund political parties? Religious organizations? Abortions?
No.
7. Why should I
give every year when United Way has never helped me?
Certainly, there are a lot of folks in our
community who don’t depend on services from United Way’s partner agencies. Most
likely, however, someone close to them - an extended family member, a neighbor’s
child, or co-worker does depend on those services. In addition, United Way
agencies contribute to the overall safety of the community by helping the most
destitute people that may otherwise commit a crime that can affect us all.
8. Do United Way
agencies serve only poor people?
Agencies receiving United Way funding serve not
only low-income families but also offer programs that all citizens use. For
example, if your child has been a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout, if you been to a
civic event where REACT was directing traffic, or if you have ever taken a CPR
class through the American Red Cross, you have taken part in a United Way
program.
9. How much of
every dollar I give is really spent on human care services?
Of each dollar United Way receives, 98% stays
here in Burke County, and over 87% goes directly to valuable community services.
Compare that with the overhead charged by professional for-profit fund-raisers
where only 44% is passed on to the intended charity. Quite a difference. Burke
County United Way is proud of the low overhead and plans to keep it that way.
10. How much does
United Way pay to United Way of America?
Three quarters of one percent, and it’s a very
reasonable cost of doing business. As our national service organization, United
Way of America helps us and other local, independent United Ways save money. Our
membership allows us to buy a large number of quality services and products at
the lowest possible cost, some of which are unique and could not be obtained
elsewhere. An example would be the NFL spot commercials, which raise awareness
of United Way services to a vast national audience and thereby helping hundreds
of local United Way campaigns.
11. How large is
the Burke County United Way
staff?
At present, there are 3 full-time staff members.
They serve in campaign planning and operations, financial record keeping,
marketing and member agency services. United Way staff has been reduced by 50%
over the past 4 years, relying more on volunteers every year.
12. Why does United
Way print a fair share guide on the pledge form?
United Way volunteers agree that the best way to
generate the necessary resources is to promote giving at the appropriate fair
share level. The guide suggests giving at a level equal to one’s means to do so.
All gifts are appreciated, so if the fair share guide has no appeal for you,
give what you feel is appropriate.
13. Doesn’t giving
to my church accomplish as much as giving to United Way?
Donations to your church are one important part
of your charitable giving. United Way giving is another part - it’s a commitment
to our community that we share with many other charitable organizations here in
Burke County. Most people find it in their heart to give to both.
14. If my spouse
and I both work, does it matter which workplace gets the United Way pledge?
Organizations running strong United Way campaigns
build lots of enthusiasm and they naturally want the most dollars possible
credited to their campaign. Many couples, therefore, pledge at both workplaces.
If your gift and your spouses gift together add up to $1,000 or more, we would
like to acknowledge you as a member of the Table Rock Society.
|
