United Way FAQs

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River Cities United Way is a local run non-profit organization. Your local River Cities United Way organization is part of a national network of approximately 1,350 United Way agencies, each of which is totally independent in both operation and control. Originally organized to coordinate fundraising activities among local charities, the role of United Way agencies has expanded over the years. It is now a leader in helping to create partnerships among organizations, to identify the gaps in essential services within the community, and to actively seek ways to fill those gaps and improve the lives of children, families and seniors throughout the community.

United Way raises funds to invest in other nonprofit agencies within the service area. It provides no social services itself and keeps no money beyond what is required for administration.

As totally independent, locally-controlled organizations, each local United Way is only voluntarily affiliated with United Way Worldwide. Less than 3/4 of 1% of each year's total pledges is sent to the national organization as dues to pay for research information, national advertising, training, networking between local United Way agencies, resource materials and other free services to the local communities.

Because of cost-efficient operations, strong volunteer involvment, and a substantial contribution of facilities and services from the business community, your United Way is able to operate with an extremely low administrative cost. This means more of every dollar raised goes directly to meet the needs of our communities through various programs and services. This compares very favorably with Better Business Bureau guidelines suggesting that nonprofit organizations should keep their administrative expenses at 25% or less. Each year your United Way is audited by a local independent auditor according to commonly-accepted accounting standards and its audit reports and tax returns are made public records. Please refer to our current audit on the River Cities United Way Finance Page.

Most people, at one time or another, need information or assistance in resovling a difficult situation. Whether it is education, access to health care, job training or some other emergency or basic need, United Way is a free point for referral. Contact us at (928) 855-6333.

Your United Way works hard to benefit the entire community. Examples of broad-based services which it supports include emergency food and shelter programs, domestic violence prevention and counseling, and family crisis and stability programs. None of us can know when tragedy will strike and when we might need help ourselves. Everyone benefits from living in a community that is peaceful, healthy and prepared for the unexpected.

Absolutely. Your United Way will honor designated gifts not only to local program and agencies, but to any recognized tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization anywhere within the country. There is a space on your United Way pledge form to give such instructions.

Each year local volunteers evaluate each agency that applies for United Way funding. Each agency is measured against a set of well-publicized standards, including such requirements as having recognition from the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt health and human service, being governed by a volunteer board of directors, and having the finances of the organization audited by a CPA when revenue exceeds $250,000.

Qualifying agencies are invited to present and defend their programs' operating budgets and descriptions of their proposed services to designated panels of volunteers. These volunteers evaluate each proposal submitted, prioritize the programs against available funding, and submit a final recommendation to the United Way board of directors.

Although payroll deduction is probably the most popular form of making a financial contribution through United Way-it is convenient and allows individuals to make regular, smaller contributions over a period of time-there are a number of other modes of giving, too:

*Some donors prefer to write a single check for the year and mail it to the local United Way office.
*Gifts can be charged to a credit card processed securely "on-line" through our regional web site:
http://www.rivercitiesunitedway.org (be sure to give your zip code number to ensure that your gift is directed to the United Way partner agency programs serving your community.)
*United Way accepts donations of bonds and other securities.
*United Way representatives are available to explain how planned giving enable donors to significant impact on community needs over an extended period of time.

Additonally, planned giving may offer such advantages as:

Reducing your taxes
Increasing your income
Conserving your family's wealth
Fulfilling your charitable goals
Protecting your own very special interests