General Information

 

What is United Way?

With your help, United Way of Monroe County works with 24 certified member agencies and other partners to improve people’s lives and build a stronger community. To help local people create opportunity, we’re focused on education, earnings, and essentials — the building blocks for a good life.

By supporting partners that work in all of these areas, United Way ensures that those in crisis can address the underlying issues they face. For instance, people who go to an agency for emergency food often have other critical needs. United Way support means that the other services they need are available in the community.

While United Way is focused on the urgent needs of local residents, we also make investments in people now so that there is less demand for “safety net” services in the future. For instance, United Way is now partnering with IU and about 20 other agencies that are helping their clients build important life and work skills.

Who runs United Way?
A 14-member volunteer Board of Directors and a professional staff of eight employees ensures that United Way is working effectively and efficiently to improve people’s lives. Hundreds of local volunteers help keep United Way a dynamic, growing and responsive organization.

How much of my contribution actually goes to program services?
Administrative and fundraising costs are kept very low because of the large number of volunteers involved in raising and allocating funds. In 2009, this allowed 91¢ of every dollar to be used for programming. Without United Way coordination, agencies would need to spend more of their own money and energy on fundraising efforts.

How are campaign funds distributed?
The United Way Allocations Committee, which consists of United Way Board and other volunteers, reviews applications from member agencies that need funding to support community programs. These volunteers use priorities from the most recent community needs assessment, to decide where funds can have the greatest impact.

What is the value of giving to United Way when I can donate directly to an agency?
With over 50 years of experience in Monroe County, United Way is in a unique position to provide lasting, measurable improvement in people’s lives. By giving to the Community Action Fund, donors can help 24 member agencies with one donation, and ensure that those in need can access the right services to address the underlying issues they face.

United Way works with employers to process payroll deductions so donors can spread the cost of their gift over an entire year.

United Way also offers resources, materials, professional development opportunities, and technical support to strengthen the ability of all local agencies to serve their clients most effectively.

Why should I give when I can only afford a small amount?
Every single dollar makes a difference! Giving what you can is appreciated, and provides you with an opportunity to join with others in the community to help those in need. Many employers offer payroll deduction, which spreads your pledge payments throughout the year. Giving your time through volunteering is equally important and appreciated.

Can I give to the Community Action Fund, but exclude a certain agency?
Yes, there is place on the pledge card where you can specify which agency should not receive your donation.

What can I say to my co-worker who doesn't want to give to United Way because Planned Parenthood is a member agency?
Planned Parenthood provides valuable health services to the community and United Way funds only their health and education services such as cancer screenings, basic health services such as diabetes testing, infertility counseling, and teen peer education. The majority of Planned Parenthood's clients live at or below 150% of the federally mandated poverty level. For many, this is their only access to health care.

Does United Way have a non-discrimination policy?
Yes, the non-discrimination policy ensures that all who would benefit from the high-quality programs of our agencies are eligible to receive those services. Member agencies cannot discriminate on the basis of race, color, marital or familial status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, nationality, age, disability, Vietnam War-era veteran status, or any legally prohibited classification.

Will I feel pressured to give?
United Way's board of directors has taken a formal position that does not condone any form of coercion, especially if there is any stated or implied effect on your personal economic status. Whether the decision is about giving at all or how much to give, it should remain a personal decision.

I know someone who couldn't get help from a United Way agency. Why?
Chances are the person asked for a service the agency couldn't provide or went to the wrong agency for the services needed. Eligibility guidelines are sometimes dictated by government regulations or other funding sources. United Way is ready to look into any instance where someone feels she or he has been refused help unjustly - just bring it to our attention.
 

What records should a donor have to meet the new IRS rules?
Remind donors to keep a copy of the completed pledge form for their tax records. They will also need a copy of their pay stub, W-2, or similar document showing the amount withheld and paid. They should consult their tax advisor for more information. United Way will send a receipt for all cash, check, credit card, and stock donations over $250 and an acknowledgement for most other gifts.

What is your association with United Way Worldwide?
We are completely autonomous from United Way Worldwide and the Indiana Association of United Ways—all of our decisions are made locally. However, we voluntarily pay dues to the state and national associations in exchange for valuable information and referral services, consultation, supplies, publications, training and grant opportunities, and conferences. Networking with other United Ways allows us to share ideas, materials, and other resources. Over 98% of your gift remains in Monroe County helping families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

What is Day of Action?
Day of Action is a collaborative project during which businesses, youth groups, faith-based groups, IU departments, and other volunteers are matched with community projects. In April 2010, more than 180 volunteers read books, painted, landscaped, cleaned and sorted donated items, tutored, entered data, etc. Day of Action takes place every spring and fall.

What is 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is a free, 24-hour, confidential service that offers information and referral to the many helpful programs and agencies in Monroe and Owen Counties. Specially-trained operators help callers find the resources they need. The complete 2-1-1 agency database is online.
 

The Leadership Giving Program

What is the Vanguard?
The Vanguard is part of the Leadership Giving Program within the United Way campaign. Vanguards make an important personal investment in our community by pledging at the Silver Level ($1,000-$2,499), Gold Level ($2,500- $4,999), Platinum Level ($5,000-$9,999), or Benjamin Harrison Level ($10,000 and up).

Members of the same household may combine their gifts to participate in the Vanguard program. Also, gifts that are matched by an employer will be recognized in the Vanguard program if the total gift is $1,000 or more.
 

What is the Young Leaders Society?
The Young Leaders Society is designed for those under 40 whose individual or combined gift is $500 or more. Society members also participate in gatherings and special events.

Is there is a matching opportunity this year?

Yes!  Through a generous matching grant, our community can receive a dollar-for-dollar match for all:

• Increases in existing Leadership gifts: Gold and Silver by 10%; Benjamin Harrison and Platinum by 5%,

• New Vanguard Leadership Givers who pledge $1,000 or more as individuals or partners, and

• New Young Leaders Society Givers who pledge $500 or more as individuals or partners.

Last year you helped us qualify for over $140,000 in matching funds for our community. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

How are Leadership gifts made to United Way?
Vanguard donors use the standard United Way campaign pledge form and may use any of the methods United Way offers to make their gift. Contributions can be made through payroll deduction, direct billing, ACH withdrawls, cash or checks, or through the donation of stocks.

Can a Leadership contribution be designated?
Although all donors are encouraged to give to the Community Action Fund in order to support the widest array of services in the community, any individual contribution can be designated to a United Way partner agency or any eligible, local 501(c)(3) organization of the donor's choice.

How are Leadership Donors recognized?
Unless Leadership donors choose to remain anonymous, they are recognized in the publicly-distributed Leadership Giving Roster. The donor’s professional affiliation is also listed (optional). From time to time, United Way volunteers host special events to acknowledge the important role Leadership Givers play in the general United Way campaign and our community.

Donor Choice Program

Can I designate a particular agency to receive my donation?
The Community Action Fund allows donors to address a wide range of community issues with one gift. As an additional option, United Way offers a Donor Choice program, which allows contributors to direct all or part of their gift to a specific member or non-member agency. A donor may also direct his or her pledge to a United Way in another county. Simply follow the instructions on your pledge card.

What are the standards for member and non-member agencies?
Member agencies must meet strict standards of governance, program effectiveness, and financial accountability; they are evaluated regularly as part of a volunteer-driven certification process. Non-member agencies are not monitored by United Way, but their tax exempt status is verified.

Does United Way assess processing fees?
There is no fee to designate to member agencies. Non-member organizations are assessed a 12% fee on all donations to reimburse United Way's processing expenses. This is very low compared to most agencies' internal fundraising costs and there is no fee for establishing eligibility. Non-cash designations are reduced by allowance, currently 7%, for uncollectible pledges.

What types of non-member agencies are eligible to receive donor designations?
Organizations must have Section 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS and be willing to provide their determination letter to United Way; have local impact or a local presence; work in the areas of human service, the arts or the environment; and be able to document a minimum one-year record of service. Federations, except other United Ways, are ineligible, as are religious congregations, government units, and capital drives. If the organization is eligible, the donations will be forwarded; if not, United Way staff will discuss options with the donor.

Can I give to the Boy Scouts through United Way of Monroe County?
Yes. The Boy Scouts of America, Hoosier Trails Council is an eligible 501(c)(3) organization and can receive donor designations through United Way's campaign.

What about Girls Scouts?

Our area is now served by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, based in Indianapolis, which is eligible to receive donors designations.

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Any changes in member agencies this year?

Yes, Family Service Association has ceased operations. Its Oak Tree counseling services are now provided by Catholic Charities, a member agency. The CASA program has become its own agency.

Where can I find information about eligible agencies to which I can designate?
The list of United Way member agencies is found on the back of the United Way pledge card and in other campaign materials. Information about member and non-member agencies, including address, phone number, web address, and a short description is available as a handout.
 

Other Questions

What should I do if I have other questions?
We encourage anyone with questions to contact the United Way office at 812-334-8370 or via email at uw@monroeunitedway.org.