Frequently Asked Questions
Being open and honest with donors isn’t just a nice idea; it’s our obligation to each and every contributor. That’s why we’ve provided answers to questions we frequently receive.
Why is United Way focusing on impacting only education, income, and health?
What percentage of the campaign funds go to United Way’s overhead?
Why does United Way need paid staff?
What financial safeguards/check and balance are in place at United Way?
How do I know that my gift is spent wisely?
There is one United Way charity that I really like. Shouldn’t I give all my money directly to that agency?
Why should I give when I know someone who was turned down for help by a United Way agency?
Doesn’t United Way just help the poor of the community? It doesn’t help people like me or my family or friends, does it?
I was pressured several years ago to give to United Way and I still resent it. Does United Way support those tactics?
Does United Way support abortions? Or Planned Parenthood?
I heard that most of the money that is given to United Way is sent outside the community. Is that true?
My employees all work part time or earn minimum wage. I don’t want to ask them to contribute. Will they donate?
Why should I take our company’s time and resources to run a United Way campaign?
What is required of my company when conducting a United Way campaign?
In addition to conducting a company campaign, how else can my company support the United Way?
Why does United Way take on new agencies when it is difficult to raise enough money for the agencies it already has?
Has United Way stopped funding Boy Scouts?
Are all United Ways the same?
Why should I give to the United Way?
I hear that United Way is heading in another direction. How is it different from what they used to do?
United Way was founded many years ago to raise money in an annual community-wide campaign for a large group of local non-profit agencies. The money was divided among the agencies and they used it as they needed it. However, with changes in technology, the economy and marketplace, United Ways all over the country were becoming less and less effective. Donors could easily choose whom to support on an agency web site – they didn’t need a “middle man” to collect their gifts. In addition, the problems in our communities were not improving. Millions of people still suffered from homelessness, hunger and lack of decent employment and health care. The process wasn’t working. That’s when United Ways realized that they had been raising money for years to treat symptoms rather than root causes. This realization prompted a major shift in philosophy – from fundraiser to community problem solver. United Way of Citrus County, along with thousands of other local United Ways, began to research issues in the community and set priorities. We began to ask questions like, “Why are people homeless and how can we help them to find a home and become self-sufficient?” If they are homeless because they can’t find a job, then we need to help them become employable and find employment. If they are homeless because they don’t understand how to budget, then we need to teach them budgeting skills. Building more or larger homeless shelters with more beds does not tackle the root causes of being homeless. Building more shelters simply provides more resources for a hot meal and cot for the night. In order to accomplish this kind of lasting community change, we are shifting our focus from what agencies need to what our community needs. We have to become much more than a fundraiser. We have to become a researcher and educator on community issues, a full partner in addressing those issues and an expert in measuring whether we’re making progress. It’s a huge change, but one that makes sense for the community.
Why is United Way focusing on impacting only education, income, and health?
United Way has chosen the targets of education, income, and health because they are the building blocks for a good life. Education is essential to getting and keeping a job with a livable wage and health benefits. An income adequate to pay for today’s necessities and save for the future provides families some sense of financial stability. Access to quality health care keeps children on track in school and adults productive at work. Remove any one of these building blocks and the other two topple.
United Way has a theory about how to create changes of this magnitude. It begins with declaring bold goals. When the stakes are high, Americans will rise to the occasion. That leads to partnerships, the second critical element. We have to think differently about partnerships and set aside special interests if we want to make real progress. This work requires collaboration across all sectors: big businesses, small businesses, elected officials, nonprofits, academia, the faith community, the labor movement, the media, parents and neighbors. Working together, we can accomplish things that no organization, no individual and no government can accomplish on its own.
Imagine the power of partnerships with all these sectors in each of the 1,400 United Way communities. Each community is different so each community has to work on what is important to them in education, income and health.
What percentage of the campaign funds go to United Way’s overhead?
United Way of Citrus County’s overhead expenses for 2011 will represent 26 percent of the campaign. The expenses include all campaign supplies and expenses, year-round community planning, year-round community service and agency relations, as well as year-round billing and collection of pledges. This is far better than the 35 percent endorsed by the Better Business Bureau and the Nation Charities Information Bureau.
Last year our campaign result was lower than previous years and directly affects the overhead expense. The lower campaign was due to the loss of a major donor to the community who had completed their 3-year contract and relocated. Also the tough economy that has affected businesses and families alike also affected our campaign results. Our support of local agencies was maintained at the same level of previous years although adjustments were made in some funding based on the agencies’ outcome measurements. One agency was disapproved for continued funding support from United Way.
Why does United Way need paid staff?
United Way is led by hundreds of volunteers who commit their time, talent and resources to our agency and the charities supported by the campaign. A small staff is needed, however, to coordinate volunteer efforts and provide professional expertise and support services. United Way of Citrus County has two full-time staff members.
What financial safeguards/check and balance are in place at United Way?
Because United Way serves as the financial steward of the public's money, we have many checks and balances in our operations:
- United Way of Citrus County has both a fully-functioning Finance Committee and an elected Treasurer that are charged with overseeing and determining the appropriateness of all financial matters related to United Way.
- The United Way Audit Committee contracts with a local accounting firm to conduct the annual audit and reviews the audit directly with the CPA and separately from the staff. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the audit and IRS Form 990, “Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax” form. In addition, the Audit Committee conducts internal, unannounced audits of the United Way staff to insure that established check and balances are maintained by the two-member staff.
- All financial documents are reconciled monthly with the financial statements.
- Checks are reviewed and counter-signed by the Treasurer, or other board officer, and the Executive Director.
- Financial statements of United Way are provided to the Board of Directors for review and approval at each of the 11 monthly meetings.
- United Way is audited annually by the local Certified Public Accountant firm of Williams, McCranie, Wardlow and Cash, P.A. CPAs within the firm who conduct the annual audit are rotated by United Way every five years.
- The Audit Committee and Board of Directors review and accept this annual audit.
- All financial accounts are placed in local financial institutions with each account not exceeding the FDIC limit.
- United Way of Citrus County annually complies with the membership eligibility criteria contained in the United Way Worldwide bylaws and also adheres to the rules and guidelines of the United Way Worldwide Member Trademark License Agreement.
- United Way’s Board of Directors approves the distribution of all dollars raised during the annual campaign as well as all administrative and fundraising costs.
How do I know that my gift is spent wisely?
Fifteen volunteers from the community and the Board--representing all donors--study agency budgets, audits, programs, goals and achievements each year. These volunteers, who make up the Community Investment Committee, determine allocations for the coming year. Meanwhile, United Way is constantly working to ensure that the community’s needs are being met without duplication of services and waste of dollars. The financial records of United Way of Citrus County and of the charities it supports must be reviewed annually by independent CPA auditors. Small agencies with less than $99,999.00 revenue may opt for an independent individual with financial expertise to conduct a financial review in accordance with United Way guidelines.In addition, United Way requires partner agencies and programs to submit quarterly reports that include progress on the outcome measurement, budget and demographic information on clients served.
There is one United Way charity that I really like. Shouldn’t I give all my money directly to that agency?
By contributing to United Way, you efficiently fund a network of local health and human services. If everyone gave funds to just one cause, such as food for the hungry, there would be an overabundance of food but insufficient funds to support an emergency shelter, quality childcare facilities, safe and educational after-school programs, access to medical care or shelter for victims of domestic violence. The spending plans of all the member agencies, as well as the community’s needs, are taken into consideration when the Board of Directors approves the annual allocations based on the review panel’s recommendations.
Why should I give when I know someone who was turned down for help by a United Way agency?
United Way of Citrus County funds programs that assist people through approved local non-profit agencies and programs. If a person feels he or she was mistreated or turned down unfairly by a United Way-funded program in Citrus County, please contact us at the United Way and give us a chance to explore the circumstances of the case. We need to know the specific situation, the agency, the time and date, the agency staff member and the individual who had the problem so that we can check into it thoroughly and provide a response. If the problem was in another county, we urge you to contact that county’s United Way. It is important to remember that each United Way is locally administered and operates independently of every other United Way.
Doesn’t United Way just help the poor of the community? It doesn’t help people like me or my family or friends, does it?
United Way helps thousands right here at home. That includes the needy as well as folks of all income levels who simply need help from the Red Cross after a flood or fire; whose children learn life-enhancing skills through Scouting; or who need shelter from domestic abuse. These numbers help tell the story:
- Helping children and youth achieve their potential through EDUCATION. United Way of Citrus County invested in 7 partner agency-based programs during 2010/11 that served more than 2,362 children and youth (ages 0-17) through-out Citrus County. More than 1,653 children participated in United Way supported preschool and/or out-of-school time programs. More than 184 children were matched with one-to-one mentors. United Way, in collaboration with one other partner, assisted 1,000 children with books delivered to their homes to improve in the children’s reading skills. Presently 35 troubled teens were safely housed in a residential setting and provided counseling. United Way investments in these programs are focused on preparing children for school, ensuring academic success (i.e., early literacy), and developing life skills that prepare children for on-time high school graduation and entry into college and/or the workforce.
- Helping families become FINANCIALLY STABLE and independent. United Way invested in 7 partner agencies-based programs during 2010/11 to feed 23,256 families through collaboration with food banks and feeding providers. Through the partner agencies, United Way provided 371 parental mentoring classes and coached 490 adults on how to be responsible parents. United Way served as a lead agency for the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, overseeing the allocation, monitoring and reporting of $100,000.00 in rent, mortgage and utility assistance through 8 local service providers. United Way and its partner agencies provided 2010 individuals with financial assistance to maintain independence. First aid and CPR training was provided to 1,170 local residents. Family assistance was provided to 27 families who lost their home due to fire with 85 individuals assisted and 61 rental assistance provided after the home fire. United Way served as the contract administrator of 2-1-1 information and referral telephone system within the county with 4,417 callers using the system to locate food, clothing, etc. and other basic needs during the economic downturn. United Way helped to establish the nonprofit, Feed Citrus County Food Bank, to centrally store food items for those nonprofits, churches and shelters that feed the hungry.
- Improve people’s HEALTH. United Way invested in 6 partner agencies-based programs during 2010/11 to provide 9,759 hours of counseling to victims of domestic violence, provided 527 people with crime victim assistance or relocation, answered 1,435 hotline calls from victims and provided 6,084 days of housing for victims and their children. Presently, 250 developmentally disabled adults were provided training to become more self-sufficient. 9 autistic assessments were completed and 668 hours of respite care provided to caregivers of autistic children. Also, 234 children were assisted with their ability to deal with grief and loss of a loved one. One partner agency provided 20 clients with respite care equating to 438 client days or 1744 respite hours. The Community Pharmacy, an initiative that was started with two local partners to help low income families and seniors with their cost of medications, provided over 10,607 prescriptions during the year at cost or free.
I was pressured several years ago to give to United Way and I still resent it. Does United Way support those tactics?
United Way neither condones nor accepts coercion to give. It is counterproductive to the concept of volunteer giving, it creates long-lasting hostility, and it reduces contributions in the long run. Occasionally, individual volunteers who are committed to the United Way system overstep the delicate boundary, going beyond educating potential donors and asking for a contribution and instead using pressure tactics. ASKING a potential donor is a must. Pressure to give is a negative and against our policy.
Does United Way support abortions? Or Planned Parenthood?
No agency or program of United Way of Citrus County supports abortions or Planned Parenthood.
I heard that most of the money that is given to United Way is sent outside the community. Is that true?
False. United Way of Citrus County is a totally local and independent organization. We are operated and administered by a local Board of Directors made up of community volunteers. All decisions regarding fund raising, community planning and the distribution of campaign dollars are made by the local board of 25 members. About 99 cents of every dollar stays here in Citrus County. The remainder goes to:
- United Way of Florida dues. UWOF provides data on needs, coordinates United Ways in Florida, monitors legislation, works with federal and local governments, co-partners in statewide disaster relief efforts and provides training for United Way of Citrus County staff and board members.
- United Way of Worldwide dues. UWW, in turn, helps provide visibility through its national advertising programs and offers additional resources, services and training opportunities for staff and board members.
My employees all work part time or earn minimum wage. I don’t want to ask them to contribute. Will they donate?
Minimum wage earners and part timers are frequently among the highest percentage contributors to United Way. One reason they give is that they have personally benefited from many United Way agency services. No one should be pressured to give, but everyone should be given the opportunity.
Why should I take our company’s time and resources to run a United Way campaign?
Because the United Way agencies provide services for your employees and their families that improve their quality of life and help make them better employees. Moreover, United Way agencies meet human service needs for all residents of Citrus County, which helps make Citrus County a good place to live and work.
What is required of my company when conducting a United Way campaign?
Generally, companies offer their associates the opportunity to give through payroll deduction. United Way staff can tailor campaigns to meet the needs of individual companies.
Some other suggestions for successful campaigns are:
- Presentations at prescheduled company meetings conducted by United Way staff, board members and/or Campaign Chair (10-15 minutes)
- Appointment of a company employee to serve as the company’s Campaign Coordinator and to work with the United Way staff
- Agency speakers can be scheduled to participate in company meetings (30-45 minutes)
- Agency tours
- Days of Caring (a hands-on volunteer opportunity scheduled in late October).
In addition to conducting a company campaign, how else can my company support the United Way?
Other ways companies can support United Way:
- Become a sponsor of a fundraising or coummunity event. United Way staff should be contacted to see which opportunity fits your company’s preference
- Participate as company volunteers in the annual Day of Caring held in late October on a Saturday and wear company shirts to identify your group of volunteers
- Post on the company’s street-side billboard from September to November the public message: “Support the United Way Campaign”
- Attend the Annual Kick-Off luncheon in September and/or the Annual Meeting and Spirit of the Community Awards Luncheon held in April or May
- Provide a grant or in-kind donation for technology upgrades, computer equipment, printing of campaign materials or other needs of United Way
- Request from United Way a "We Support United Way" cling-on and display at the glass entrance way to the company
- Organize a fundraising event for United Way at the company or in the community
- Form a company basketball team to compete in the annual county-wide April Madness Basketball Competition
- Serve on the Community Investment (Allocations) Committee to determine annual allocationsto agencies and programs
- Serve as an expert on one of the Impact Councils: Education, Income, or Health
- Serve as a volunteer on one of the United Way committees
Why does United Way take on new agencies when it is difficult to raise enough money for the agencies it already has?
The people of Citrus County entrust United Way with their gifts of over half a million dollars every year. Community volunteers on the Board of Directors and Community Investment Committee are extremely sensitive to competing needs in our county and endeavor to redistribute the money responsibly on behalf of all contributors.It is sometimes said that United Way of Citrus County supports various local agencies, but - more accurately - it supports needs in the community through programs. These programs are designed to produce positive impacts in three primary areas: education, income, and health. The 2011 campaign will help over 19 area agencies and many programs.United Way's support for each of these programs is committed on a calendar year basis. Each program must reapply for program funding annually and demonstrate the impact it has in one or more of the focus areas. And annually, Community Investment Committee volunteers:
- Re-examine Citrus County's most pressing needs,
- Re-evaluate the performance and resources of the programs seeking funds,
- Develop a ranking of the programs most closely meeting the community’s needs,
- Estimate how much money the upcoming campaign might realistically generate, and
- Recommend funding levels for each program.
- This approach keeps the emphasis on what matters most and the allocations process responsive to changing needs and resources.
Has United Way stopped funding Boy Scouts?
No, United Way of Citrus County has always funded Scouts for many years. United Way of Citrus County places the needs of local youth in our community above any other considerations. Hundreds of local boys- including hard-to-reach, low-income, at-risk youth- greatly benefit from Scouting’s proven record of safe, structured after-school programs that foster self-esteem, build discipline and teach personal responsibility. We anticipate funding Boy Scouts for many more years.
There are approximately 1,400 United Ways across the USA that exist in their respective communities to build partnerships and leverage resources to create plans for long lasting community change. Though United Ways share a logo and have similar missions, each United Way is independently incorporated and is led by local staff and volunteers. The work of each United Way is determined by its community needs.
Why should I give to the United Way?
Charitable giving is a personal and voluntary decision and the United Way encourages you to do what is most comfortable to you. A gift to the United Way is an investment that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue or population.
