Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) UK-United Way Campaign
How is United Way different from other nonprofit organizations?
United Way exists for one reason — to help us come together as one community to identify and address the issues that affect us all. Those issues, like making sure children start school ready to learn and helping families become self-sufficient, cross boundaries and differences and can only be addressed with collective focus and attention.
Where does the money go?
United Way volunteers from your communities carefully invest your contributions into local programs that are proven to make our communities stronger and safer. Your dollars help people live better lives. These programs include WayPoint Centers, youth and mentoring programs that keep children safe and productive in their hours outside the classroom. They also include job and life skills training to prepare people for employment, myriad forms of help for people with basic needs and more.
Can I give directly to my favorite agency?
It is possible to direct your gift to one or more agencies that receive United Way funding or to another United Way in the country. Because United Way is in the "business" of community impact, not fundraising for agencies, we cannot earmark your gift to other organizations. Select the agency you wish to donate to via the myUK portal or by using the pledge form (if using the form, be sure to turn it in to your college or administrative area cabinet member).
What does United Way do aside from funding agencies?
United Way helps our communities focus on and find solutions to important health and human issues. While United Way does raise and invest dollars, they also create and manage programs to address pressing needs and long-term solutions, lead regional volunteer efforts and connect people and resources to help build a better Bluegrass.
How much of the money raised by United Way is used for administrative purposes?
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance for Charity Accountability states that fundraising expenses should be no more than 35% of all related contributions (for more information, visit www.give.org). Less than 20 cents of every dollar raised by United Way is used for fundraising and administration — placing it among the nation's nonprofits with the lowest overheads. Their efficiency depends on community support to keep costs to a minimum — including extensive volunteer leadership, executives "loaned" by companies, public service advertising donations and more.
How do issues at other United Way chapters and other nonprofits affected United Way of the Bluegrass?
They do not. Each of the 1,400+ United Way chapters in the country is autonomous and managed by local board volunteers. In Central Kentucky, hundreds of volunteer leaders are involved in and oversee every detail of United Way operations, from fundraising to investments to financial management.