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The most commonly-asked questions or most often-heard objections to giving to the United Way Campaign:
What is the United Way Campaign? (Back to top)
It is the fundraising arm of United Way of Whatcom County, an organization operated by a volunteer group of local citizens -- its 30-member Board of Directors. One objective of United Way is to eliminate the effort and cost of many separate charitable fundraising campaigns. It does this by conducting a single annual campaign for the financial needs of major health, social services, youth, recreation, and rehabilitation organizations providing human services in Whatcom County. United Way assures the contributor that maximum value is received from each contributed dollar and that participating agencies maintain a high degree of efficiency and quality of service.
Who decides how the money is allocated? (Back to top)
A group of approximately 60 volunteers from Whatcom County make up the . This committee is divided into four panels that review programs of agencies offering similar services. The panel members tour the agencies to see the services offered and are given the agencies' budgets and requests for the year. Each agency makes one or more presentations to the various panels. From the tours, budget forms and presentations, the panel members recommend a funding level for each program an agency is requesting funds for.
I feel I am being pressured to give to United Way! (Back to top)
United Way is made possible because so many people give voluntarily, which is what United Way is all about. United Way of Whatcom County has a non-coercion policy. If any donor feels they have been coerced in any way to make a donation, their full donation will be refunded.
Who may belong to United Way? (Back to top)
Any health, social service, or character-building agency may become a member of United Way if it has a program or programs that meet a community need that is not already being met by another agency, and which agrees to present its finances, budget, certified audit, and programs to United Way's volunteer for review. Upon meeting these initial criteria, further review for membership is conducted by the Fund Distribution Committee with a recommendation given to the United Way Board of Directors.
Who pays for campaign lunches & other meetings? (Back to top)
Ask anyone who attends! Each individual attending any meeting or event goes "No Host" for meals, except on those occasions when it is sponsored by a local firm. You can join us at a campaign lunch. They're open to the public.
I'm not giving because of the Boy Scouts! (Back to top)
No matter what your stance is on the Boy Scouts or United Way's nondiscrimination policy, please contribute. No matter what your opinion, your community needs your support. You may direct your donation directly to the Boy Scouts, as you can to any nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. Find out more about United Way of Whatcom County's nondiscrimination policy.
Why should I give? I never use agency services. (Back to top)
The wholesome atmosphere of a community is directly influenced by the health, happiness, and well-being of everyone in it. Broken homes, delinquency, neglect of the needy and infirm, and drug abuse impacts everyone in the community. United Way services are community services. They are for everybody. Illness, family problems, and mental disorders know no economic boundaries. You, members of your family, co-workers or neighbors may not need United Way services now, but you may in the future. It is comforting to know that if these services are ever needed by anybody within your circle of relationships they will be available. United Way for all of us.
Are you sure you or a member of your family has not received benefits provided by a United Way agency? Do you have children involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs, Girl Scouts or Camp Fire? Have you taken CPR training? It's very likely you have been touched by United Way agency programs but were unaware of United Way's involvement.
If United Way provides fundraising for its participating agencies, why am I asked to buy cookies or candy or contribute additional funds throughout the year to United Way participating agencies? (Back to top)
United Way support to participating agencies may be anywhere from one percent of the agency's budget to 99 percent of its budget. It's United Way's goal to see its participating agencies become self-supporting. Until then, however, each agency must rely on other funding sources, like government grants, service fees and/or special-event fundraising, to cover additional expenses incurred in providing services to the community. Additionally, agencies may opt to raise funds via a project or drive. Those activities provide a product or service in exchange for a contribution. This is different from an outright gift given to help others.
If I stop working, what happens to my pledge? (Back to top)
Payroll deduction pledges would stop with your company checks. Direct billing pledge reminders will continue to be mailed unless you request a change.
I can't afford to give --the economy is killing me! (Back to top)
The reality is, "Can we afford NOT to give?" The needs of people are not going to go away. It boils down to a choice: freedom of choice through doing it ourselves, voluntarily through local decision-making, or less effectively and at greater cost through involuntary, compulsory ways such as government programs. Additionally, you can give a gift of any size to United Way. It is the giving of thousands of donors giving at their own level that makes the impact of United Way so strong.
My spouse gives at work -- why should I? (Back to top)
If a household is fortunate to have two salaries, it is hoped they would consider making two contributions through the payroll deduction system, each one considering a gift based on their ability to give. Many spouses wish to make independent giving choices and earn recognition within and for their own work place.
How much should I give? (Back to top)
This is your choice. Many people ask how much others give. A suggested amount, based on a survey of giving, is one percent of pay or one hour pay per month. These are only suggestions, though.
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