Frequently Asked Questions

---

Q: Why should I donate to United Way?
A: Simply put, United Way knows that you want to make a difference – and we can help you do that. By partnering with businesses, individuals, and area organizations, United Way accomplishes more collectively than any one group or person can do on their own.

United Way’s role is to provide leadership, bringing resources and individuals together to improve lives and build a stronger community. Through constant research, we make sure the issues that matter most to your friends and family are what we focus on. This focus ensures United Way programs are never short-term solutions, but the difference between the quick fix and success.

Q: Where does my United Way donation go?
A: Your gift to United Way of Greater Eau Claire stays right here in Eau Claire County. United Way funds are not allocated to a non-profit agency as a whole, but to the individual programs which have completed the extensive grant application and review process. Contributions are invested directly in programs within UWEC’s focus areas of: Successful Children & Youth, Strong Families & Individuals, and Total Health & Well-being.

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?
A: Yes.  Every cent you give to United Way is fully deductible. United Way of Greater Eau Claire is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) to which donations qualify as tax deductible for income tax purposes.

Q: How much of what I give goes to programming?
A: United Way of Greater Eau Claire spends less than 11 cents of every dollar for administration costs. The extensive network of volunteers, in-kind donations and fiscal responsibility keep administrative costs down, and well below the national average.

An independent audit of United Way's finances is conducted each year by a local accounting firm, and all financial information is available to the public.

Q: Who runs United Way?
A: You do.  United Way is run by volunteers who live in Eau Claire County. They conduct the research, set strategic planning goals, run the community campaign, and make funding decisions. Volunteers review United Way's monthly operations, serve on a variety of working committees, and the Board of Directors. A small paid staff provides support and continuity. Approximately 2,000 volunteers participate in the annual campaign.

Q: Why should I give? I never use these services.
A: United Way’s Program Partners provide a complete range of services from prenatal care to bereavement. Most of us, or one of our family members, will access at least one of these services at some point in our lives.

Helping ensure the success of the community as a whole does affect each of us directly – it may be a coworker, neighbor or family member that needs help, and your gift makes sure that help is available.

Q: How much should I give?
A: Only you can decide what an appropriate giving level is for you. Many people follow a guideline, such as one hour's pay per month, or a percentage of their annual salary. Every gift matters, so please take the time to give it the consideration it deserves.

Q: What if I can only afford a small gift?
A: No gift is too "small." Every dollar counts. Small gifts really add up. For example: Giving just $2 weekly via payroll deduction (the price of a cup of coffee,) adds up to $104 per year. And, when thousands of "small" gifts are added together, they make a tremendous impact.

Q: Why do we need United Way? Isn't that why we pay taxes?
A: Government funding provides a large portion of many program partner agencies' budgets, but government resources are becoming scarce. In addition, most federal and state funding requires agencies to match certain percentages of the government funding with local funds. Many agencies use United Way funding as the local matching funds, which makes your donation go even further. Your United Way gift helps our Program Partners access hundreds of thousands of state and federal dollars.

Q: How can I make my donation to United Way?
A: Payroll deduction is the most convenient method available. In most cases, it's easier for people to contribute a small amount each pay period than all at once. Other options include:

• Direct Bill

• Credit Card

• Gift of Securities.
  Please contact United Way before initiating
  any transfers of ownership.

Q: Are labor and management behind United Way?
A: Yes, labor organizations work hand-in-hand with management to make United Way the largest single voluntary effort in the nation. Union groups officially endorse the community campaign, and serve as volunteers. Many people in area labor unions are involved in all levels of volunteer leadership of United Way and its Program Partners.

Q. What if I want to make a gift to a particular organization? (or How can I be sure one organization does not receive a portion of my gift?)
A. Those options are certainly available to you, and your campaign coordinator will have access to the necessary forms.

United Way strongly encourages giving to the Community Impact Fund, and here’s why:

• Investments are made in programs that work together to ensure a person’s success. It’s very rare that someone receives assistance from only one organization.

• Investments are made by volunteers based on the need for the program or service, and the results demonstrated by that program. More funding is applied to the areas that require the most attention in our own community.

• Gifts designated to an organization are not required to be applied directly to the programs which have applied for United Way funding and completed the review process.

• Designated gifts reduce the amount of overall funds available to other programs which have applied for funding.

• Designated gifts are not stable or secure funding sources. However these agencies must report this income on any grant application submitted, which could affect future funding decisions. (by United Way or any funding source)

• United Way cannot review the financial or program viability of outside agencies whose programs are not monitored by our volunteers.