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How do I know my money actually goes to the agencies?
When you give to United Way of the Coalfield, you entrust your
hard-earned dollars to an organization that takes this trust very
seriously. United Way volunteers make sure that designated funds are
distributed according to the donor’s wishes and then oversee the
allocation of undesignated funds to all programs through citizen
review panels. These panels conduct annual reviews and closely
monitor agency services. Just as important, the United Way’s own
operating budget is audited by an independent auditing firm and is
carefully scrutinized by volunteers. United Way of the Coalfield
also annually files the
IRS Form 990
return required for non-profit organizations.
How much of my
donation goes to the agency?
86 cents of every dollar collected goes to the agency. The remaining
14 cents is used to help pay for the following items:
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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 service
region.
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Operating costs – including all costs associated with running a
business – utilities, maintenance, printing, copies, salaries
and benefits for 2 people, telephone, financial audit from
independent auditors, etc.
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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. The United Way board considers the
following basic requirements and general criteria in considering
admitting agencies:
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Qualifying nonprofit status under IRS Subsection 501(c)(3)
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Governance by a responsible, active volunteer Board of Directors
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Agreement to comply with the United Way’s fund-raising
guidelines
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Demonstrated community support and need for agency’s programs
and services
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Timely compliance with the United Way’s financial reporting
requirements
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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.
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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
United Way agency. United Way agencies must agree to an annual
review of their programs and budgets by United Way volunteer
committees and they must agree to limit independent fund-raising.
Why should I
give if my spouse already gives?
Because United Way of the Coalfield 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. |
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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 United Way of the Coalfield 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. |
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