Why should I give to United Way Fox Cities?
Charitable giving is a personal and voluntary decision and United Way Fox Cities encourages you to do what is most comfortable to you. An investment in United Way Fox Cities benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue, or population.
Why should I give to United Way rather than directly to my favorite agency?
An investment in United Way Fox Cities supports over 100 results-oriented local programs and services that are addresssing the community's most pressing needs. If everyone designated their donation to their "favorite" agency, many services would not be available in the community.
How much of my contribution actually reaches the programs supported by United Way Fox Cities?
86.5 cents of each dollar contributed to United Way Fox Cities goes directly to local programs and services - far more efficient than most other non-profit organizations, both locally and nationally.
Can I designate my contribution?
Though you have the opportunity to designate your contribution to any 501(c)(3) health and human service organization, including other United Ways, please consider giving all or part of your contribution to the Community Fund. Donor designations make it increasingly difficult for United Way Fox Cities to ensure that the most critical community needs are receiving adequate support. To designate your gift, you must write the name of the agency and/or community on the pledge form. If a United Way, United Fund, or Community Chest can not be located in that community, your contribution will be sent to the United Way closest to that community.
When I designate my dollars to a specific non-United Way Fox Cities agency or non-profit organization, does United Way Fox Cities charge an administration fee?
United Way Fox Cities complies with United Way of America Membership Standard M which outlines the requirements for uniform deduction of Fundraising and Management & General expenses from designated donor pledges.
The overall purpose of Standard M is to assure the public that:
- Donors are charged no more than the actual cost incurred to process and transfer designated gifts.
There are no duplicative charges or redundant services assessed to the donor.
- All United Ways have a consistent, fair and understandable methodology for calculating and recovering fundraising, processing and management and general expenses on designated donations.
- For the 2006 Campaign, the deduction to cover fundraising, processing and management and general expenses was 11.46% which represented a 3 year average. Designated payroll deduction pledges are also charged a fee for uncollectibles (3 –year average, 2.06%)
When I designate my dollars, do the agencies really get that money? Is the agency informed of my contribution?
United Way Fox Cities allocates funds to partner agencies' programs through a volunteer review process. In 2007, approximately 100 local volunteers based program investments on community needs. Your designated contribution will go specifically to the 501(c)(3) health and human service organization/other United Way you designate on your pledge card. It will not increase the agency's funding unless the total of all designated gifts exceeds the amount recommended by the volunteers. According to Membership Standard M, all agencies are notified of designation by February 28th of the year following the campaign. Cash designation payments will be sent to agencies no later than February 28th. Payroll deduction pledges will be sent on a quarterly basis.
Does my money stay in our community?
Yes, unless it is designated to a program outside of the area, which would be the donor's choice.
Is my contribution paying for expensive brochures, videos, website, etc.?
A part of the cost of running a campaign includes marketing/operations expenses, but a large portion of the printing, paper and production is donated by local businesses. Administrative overhead includes all costs relative to campaign and operating the organization.
Does United Way Fox Cities accept donations other than money?
Yes. We accept gifts of supplies, equipment or services that we distribute to United Way partner agencies. We call these 'in-kind gifts'. We also accept gifts of stocks, bonds and life insurance. If you would like more information or have an item to donate, please contact the United Way Fox Cities' office at 954-7210.
