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| United Way's cutting edge healthcare initiative, 100% Access to Healthcare, has profoundly affected the availability of healthcare for our area's under- and uninsured residents. In just two years, 100% Access has coordinated a network of low- and no-cost safety net health clinics that see around 18,000 people annually. |
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What
makes United Way different from other charities?
Most charities focus on a single cause or area of concern. United Way of Lane County tackles priority issues for the entire community by bringing together the best local expertise and resources.
By targeting specific goals, United Way is able to forge partnerships, focus resources and unite the community to tackle the root causes of problems. We're changing the way our community operates by uniting people to create a lasting impact. Together, we can take care of what matters in Lane County, Oregon.
Most unique, perhaps, is our donor assurance pledge. The agencies receiving
funding through our Community Solutions Fund must meet high certification
standards. The certification process, implemented by community volunteers,
assures our donors that these funded agencies use best practices in business
and service delivery.
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Where does my contribution go?
With every dollar you give or pledge, you make change. In return for your
contribution to the United Way, you support job training; wellness
programs that promote safe choices and healthy futures; daycare, out-of-school
time and outdoor programs that instill solid values and teach responsibility;
legal assistance for low income and vulnerable citizens; transportation
for seniors and disabled individuals; support for the mentally ill
and their families; and more.
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Who decides how the money raised is used?
In 2007, over 150 volunteers from the business, labor, government and community
sectors, carefully studied and made funding decisions on each request
from certified local agencies. Known as Community Investment Panels,
these groups of individuals compared the known needs in our communities
with the requests for funding assuring that the most comprehensive network
of safety and support is available throughout our community.
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Isn’t
United Way just a fundraising organization?
No. While raising money is essential to solving community problems, United Way of Lane County is so much more. For example, United Way:
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Why does giving to United Way have more impact than giving directly to a single charity?
United Way is the most efficient, effective and accountable way to make
a positive difference in the lives of people who live in this region. We bring
together hundreds of volunteers who have a wide range of ideas and experience
to lend. They hold all our certified agencies to the highest standards, measure
the impact of each funded program, and make all key funding decisions. It is
a completely transparent and proven process that works to help the most people
in the most comprehensive ways.
Also, we understand that most people seeking help don’t have
just one issue to be concerned about. For example, a senior citizen
who needs help paying for prescription medications often also has
problems affording a nutritious diet and may struggle with transportation.
A young family with two working parents often find themselves in
need of affordable housing, parenting support classes, and safe childcare.
Solving one problem is important, seeking solutions for a wide range of problems,
and their root causes, is critical.
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Can I restrict part of my gift to any nonprofit charity?
Absolutely. United Way of Lane County honors your request to give to any registered tax-exempt (501-c-3) nonprofit in the United States. Your restricted gift must be at least $50 and will be subject to the same 15% overhead charge as all other gifts.
You should know that organizations that are not certified by United Way of
Lane County can not be held to our exemplary standards of excellence and
accountability. These standards helped place us in the top 14% of all American
charities according to Charity Navigator so we know they are important to
conscientious donors.
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What is the Community Solutions Fund and why should I direct my gift to it?
Through the Community Solutions Fund, United Way supports an entire network of human services that are chosen for their ability to address proven local problems. (See #4 regarding how United Way determines how much money will be allocated to individual agencies.)
At the same time, the Fund allows United Way to conduct in-depth research and to create initiatives designed to have significant community impact in areas such as child abuse, healthcare, and financial instability.
Only donations to the Community Solutions Fund can be used by our volunteers to address the most current and critical problems as a whole. All Community Solutions Fund donations stay local.
Here’s one way to look at it: the old way is to provide childcare.
The United Way is ongoing quality childcare, language skills development,
parent education programs, regular immunizations, nutritional food, and
clothing assistance. We understand that all these issues are linked and
the Community Solutions Fund is the best way to address the whole spectrum
of community issues.
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If I do decide to restrict my gift to one agency, does it take away from the money they get from the Community Solutions Fund?
The agencies get two separate amounts: the Community Solutions Fund dollars allocated to them through our volunteer Community Investment Panels and the money restricted to them by individual donors.
Community Solutions funds are the only funds our volunteers can direct to
where the greatest needs are. In small rural communities it is only because
of Community Solutions funds dollars that local service agencies can provide
food, shelter, senior transportation, and more to their most vulnerable residents.
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How does an agency get certified in order to receive Community Solutions funding?
Agencies must be invited to apply for United Way Certification. Invited agencies are those whose programs meet a known need in our community.
Once certified, agencies are expected to maintain these high standards or
will be at risk of losing both their United Way certification and funding.
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How
much of my contribution goes to United Way’s operations?
United Way of Lane County’s year-round administrative and campaign costs amount to 15 cents out of every dollar. That makes our overhead costs among the lowest in the nation. That’s part of the reason we’ve received Charity Navigator’s
coveted 4-Star rating for two years in a row. According to Charity Navigator,
United Way of Lane County is in the top 14% of American charities. We
spend your dollars as they are intended--to help people. Community Solutions
Fund dollars stay right here in your community.
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I would like to help, but just can't afford it.
Any amount, even if your gift seems small, will help. It's just as hard,
or even harder, for those who need help from one of the many agencies
supported by your United Way contributions. A payroll deduction pledge
allows you to make a generous contribution in manageable portions each
pay day. Join with your neighbors to help create real change in our community.
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I
doubt if I’ll ever need to use these services, so why should
I support them?
It's possible that you might never use United Way funded services,
but statistics show that you or a member of your family probably
have or will use United Way services at some point. Many of us use
United Way services weekly even if we don’t realize. Some
examples include activities at the YMCA, local scouting programs,
counseling opportunities, and the Red Cross.
And some of our efforts may not seem like charity to you. For example, the community has been powerfully impacted by United Way efforts to help low- and moderate-wage workers apply for and receive the Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Care Tax Credits to which they are entitled.
In 2006 we had tremendous success helping over 1,000 seniors learn more about and get enrolled in Medicare Part D thereby helping them afford their prescription medications.
Are these efforts “charity” or are they the kinds of
things we do to make this a community of which we can be proud? A
community where our children are cherished, our seniors are honored,
and where everyone is treated with respect.
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Why give to United Way when government programs support local agencies?
While government dollars, in combination with private dollars, are used to
fund certain services in our community, government cutbacks continue
to seriously reduce the ability of agencies to provide essential levels
of service. The agencies in our area need United Way, as well as increased
help from its contributors.
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What
if I would like to give to United Way but I don’t like one of
the funded agencies?
A major advantage of giving to United Way is that it assures that a variety of programs and services will receive funding. Donors empower United Way volunteers and professional staff to work together to connect their contribution with the greatest need in the community.
When you withhold your support because of a concern about a single agency, you may be penalizing many other vital services.
You may, however, exclude a particular agency from receiving any portion
of your gift by indicating that information on your pledge form.
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