• What does United Way do?
• I’ve never been helped by an agency. Why should I contribute?
• I already support my favorite charity. Why give to United Way, too?
• How much of my money actually goes to serving those in need?
• Why do some agencies charge a fee for their services?
• Why doesn’t United Way include all organizations?
• Can I designate to my favorite organization?
• Is my contribution tax deductible?
• Don’t some of the dollars go to United Way of America?
• Does United Way support abortion or Planned Parenthood?

Q: What does United Way do?
A: United Way of the CSRA raises funds to support over 60 health and human service programs through our 17 partner agencies. With your help, United Way brings together the resources of our community – volunteers, funds, knowledge, and YOU – to help those most in need.

Q: I’ve never been helped by an agency. Why should I contribute?
A: While it is true some of the services provided by United Way-funded programs are for the poor and those in need, there are many programs that provide necessary community services such as the character-building programs of agencies like the Boys and Girls Clubs or the emergency services provided by the American Red Cross.

Q: I already support my favorite charity. Why give to United Way, too?
A: The needs of the community are much broader than any one agency can handle. United Way partner agencies offer a comprehensive mix of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our total community. Also, many contributors like the option of making one donation and having it spread among many diverse programs in the community.

Q: How much of my money actually goes to serving those in need?
A: United Way and our community take pride in the fact that just over 12 cents of every dollar pledged provides year-round fundraising, marketing and administrative services.

Q: Why do some agencies charge a fee for their services?
A: United Way funds various programs offered by our partner agencies. Since we do not fund the entire operating budget of an agency, most seek other sources of revenue to cover their costs. United Way partner agencies operate without discrimination with most using fee scales based on ability to pay. By allowing some individuals to pay for the services, United Way partner agencies are able to stretch their United Way dollars to serve more people.

Q: Why doesn’t United Way include all organizations?
A: Although we work closely with 17 partner agencies, many organizations receive funding through our donor choice program. Not all nonprofits want to be part of a single, community-wide campaign. United Way only sends funds to agencies that provide health and human services and are 501(c)3 tax exempt as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. This does not include agencies that are primarily academic, animal welfare, cultural, grant making, political, recreational, or religious in nature.

Q: Can I designate to my favorite organization?
A: United Way honors designations to a number of local organizations but does not encourage them.  We believe that our citizen review panels do an effective job in allocating funds to our partner agencies from annual campaign funds. However, if you choose to designate, United Way will honor your wishes. An administrative fee is charged to process designated funds to agencies that are not partners with United Way. A $150 minimum designation per agency is necessary for an individual to designate.  Anything under $150 will be directed to the Allocations Process. 

Q: Is my contribution tax deductible?
A: Yes, however there are some guidelines. Please consult your tax advisor for information on your specific situation.

Q: Don’t some of the dollars go to United Way of America?
A: United Way of the CSRA is a totally autonomous agency, run by local volunteers. It does send less than one penny from every dollar raised to United Way of America in annual dues. In return, we receive national advertising, research, etc. worth many times more than this minimal investment.

Q: Does United Way support abortion or Planned Parenthood?
A: United Way takes no position on abortion, neither advocating the right to abortion nor elimination of abortion as a legal right. United Way of the CSRA does not accept donations to pro-choice or pro-life organizations due to the political nature of these issues.