How do
I know my money actually goes to the agencies?
When you give to United Way of Southern Kentucky, you entrust your
hard-earned dollars to an organization that takes this trust very seriously.
UWSK volunteers make sure that designated funds are distributed according to
the donor’s wishes and then oversee the allocation of undesigned funds to
all programs through citizen review panels. These panels conduct annual
reviews and closely monitor agency services. Just as important, UWSK’s own
operating budget is audited by an independent auditing firm and is carefully
scrutinized by volunteers. United Way of Southern Kentucky also
annually files the IRS Form 990 return required for non-profit
organizations.
How much of my
donation goes to the agency?
76 cents of every dollar collected goes to the agency. The remaining 24
cents is used to help pay for the following items:
- Grant research room – more than 20,000 grants can be researched to
help bring outside dollars into the community and help lessen the burden
of citizens and businesses being asked for money.
- Training classes for staff and leaders of non-profit organizations –
these classes focus on budgeting, marketing, grant writing, diversity and
many other items that work to strengthen the non-profit system as a whole
within the BRADD region.
- Operating costs – including all costs associated with running a
business – utilities, maintenance, printing, copies, salaries and benefits
for 6 people, telephone, financial audit from independent auditors, etc.
- Community Needs Assessment – this is an extensive community driven
study designed to discover what services are most needed, where the
services are meeting the need and where are the “gaps” in service.
- Health and Human Service Directory by county. The directory lists the
vast majority of services available to people in need. The individual
county directory was published and distributed to businesses,
organizations and individuals within their county.
How do
programs qualify for United Way support?
Any health and human service agency willing to meet the high standards for
participating may apply for funding. The primary factors considered include
community need and the ability of the agency to provide quality programs.
Programs must be consistent with the mission of our United Way. A UWSK
Admissions Committee considers the following basic requirements and general
criteria in considering admitting agencies:
- Qualifying nonprofit status under IRS Subsection 501(c)(3)
- Governance by a responsible, active volunteer Board of Directors
- Agreement to comply with UWSK’s fund-raising guidelines
- Demonstrated community support and need for agency’s programs and
services
- Timely compliance with UWSK’s financial reporting requirements
- Other considerations including but not limited to: priority of needs
served, stability of agency’s operations, need for funding, program
quality and duplication of services.
What is United Way of America?
United Way of America is NOT the corporate headquarters. It is a national
support organization designed to assist local United Ways across the
country. It does not set policies or regulate local United Ways but provides
cost-saving services to local United Ways.
Why aren’t all agencies affiliated with the United Way?
Some agencies have chosen not to apply and others follow guidelines from
their national organization that do not allow them to become a UWSK agency.
UWSK agencies must agree to an annual review of their programs and budgets
by UWSK volunteer committees and they must agree to limit independent
fund-raising.
Why should I give
if my spouse already gives?
Because UWSK supports programs for everyone in our community, it depends on
every working person for support. If only one member of each family gave,
many programs could not be supported. Each member of a family is encouraged
to give based on his/her ability.
Why should I give when I (or my family) never use agency services?
You are an exception if you or a family member haven’t been touched by a
UWSK supported agency. United Way agency services are for everyone. Job
loss, loss of a loved one, terminal illness, and the problems of growing up
and growing old know no boundaries. You never know when you, a family member
or a neighbor may need a United Way service. It’s comforting to know you’ve
helped ensure that these services will be there when they’re needed.
I’ve got a complaint. Someone I know didn’t receive help from a United Way
agency.
Get the facts - names, agency, dates, pertinent information; then call
United Way at (270) 843-3205. All complaints will be checked out thoroughly
and you will be notified of the findings. No one who needs help is
deliberately turned down. Many complaints are the result of
misunderstandings that can be resolved. |
United
Way