United Way focuses on human services that affect people, supporting 18 private non-profit agencies and 21 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.

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.

No.

Because when you choose United Way’s community care fund, your gift helps the most people! You’re giving to 18 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.

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.

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.

At present, there are 3 full-time staff members. They serve in campaign planning and operations, financial record keeping, marketing and member agency services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.