Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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Who oversees the policies of United Way?
How is the money raised by United Way spent?
Why do agencies charge fees when they receive United Way funds?
How do agencies qualify for support from United Way?
Do United Way agencies have other income?
Why give to the United Way when I can give directly to one of the United Way Agencies?
Which local agencies does the United Way support?

Who oversees the policies of United Way?

Local volunteers. Business people, community leaders and residents set policy and provide the overall direction of United Way and its professional staff. Professionals in the accounting and banking disciplines oversee agency allocations and administrative funding of United Way.

How is the money raised by United Way spent?

We are careful to spend donor dollars wisely. Board Members and Community Leaders make the funding decisions. They ensure that contributor dollars are used for needed services. Volunteers review program funding requests, visit agencies, and study agency audits and budgets. Our low administrative costs means more of your dollars go directly to building the stronger, safer, healthier community we all want.

Why do agencies charge fees when they receive United Way funds?

In some cases, United Way funded agencies provide services on a sliding scale based on an individual's ability to pay. By keeping fees reasonable and requesting payment for services from those who are able to pay, the agencies stretch United Way dollars and help more people.

How do agencies qualify for support from United Way?

Agencies must meet the following United Way Standards of Accountability:

• Be a nonprofit 501 c(3) health and human service organization.
• Provide services that meet a documented community need and cooperate with other agencies providing services for similar populations.
• Conduct an annual audit that conforms to generally accepted accounting principles.
• Have programs and finances reviewed annually by United Way.
• Provide equal access to services to all who qualify without discriminating based on race, religion, national origin, disability, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation or age.
• Operate with effectiveness and efficiency – maintaining appropriate administrative records.
• Have a Board of Directors and By-Laws governing the board.

Do United Way agencies have other income?

Yes. Agencies receive funds from government contracts, foundation grants, membership enrollment programs, special event fund-raising, direct mail, planned giving, major gifts and service fees. Volunteers consider income from these sources when deciding on the amount to be allocated by United Way.

Why give to the United Way when I can give directly to one of the United Way Agencies?

The advantages of giving through United Way rather than giving directly to individual agencies:

If you give directly to individual agencies:

If you give to United Way:

Supports a single organization or service. Helps people needing that particular agency or service. Requires that each charity run its own fundraising campaign, taking people and resources away from providing services to raise needed funds. Gifts might not be multiplied by leveraging government matching funds.

Supports many health and human service programs in Citrus County. Helps people who may have multiple health and human service needs, more than any single organization. One united campaign reduces costs to the agencies, so more people, time and resources are available to do the real work of the agency. Gifts to United Way are leveraged annually, multiplying the impact of each charitable dollar several times.

Which local agencies does the United Way support?

Alzheimer's Family Organization American Red Cross Annie W. Johnson Senior Service Center Big Brothers Big Sisters Blind Americans Boys and Girls Clubs of Citrus County Boy Scouts of America – Gulf Ridge Council Catholic Charities Childhood Development Services Children's Home Society Citrus Abuse Shelter Association (CASA)

Citrus County Family Visitation Center Citrus Hearing Impaired Program Services (CHIPS) Citrus United Basket (CUB) Daystar Life Center Family Resource Center Girl Scouts – Heart of Florida Council Hospice of Citrus County - Camp Good Hope The Isaiah Foundation Key Training Center Youth and Family Alternatives

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