Frequently Asked Questions

United Way of Portage County recruits, trains, and relies upon volunteers extensively to deliver on our mission to "inspire people to work together to improve lives and build stronger communities." We invite you to volunteer and learn more about us firsthand. In the meantime, here are some of the questions we are most commonly asked . . .

Other Questions??

Q:	*Why should I give to United Way?*
A.	Because United Way-funded programs are making a difference every day in the lives of children, individuals and families in our community. Your giving through United Way helps support many health and human service programs right here in Portage County. United Way touches our friends, our neighbors, our co-workers, and our families, or maybe even you. Together, we support children and families, help people in crisis, and promote health and healing.
Q.	*Who decides where the money goes?*
A.	People like you, right here in Portage County. Volunteers from all walks of life review program applications, visit agencies, make all funding decisions and prioritize the needs in the community to ensure that your dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently. If you would like to serve as a funds distribution volunteer, you can do so just by contacting United Way.
Q.	*Who runs the United Way of Portage County?*
A.	Over 100 unpaid volunteers who live and work in Portage County and who care about people oversee the organizations’ operations. Volunteers organize campaigns, supervise audits, budget funds, determine policy and make-up the United Way’s Board of Directors. The Board hires the professional staff to administer the daily operations of the organization.
Q.	*How does United Way ensure financial integrity?*
A.	To maintain fiscal responsibility, United Way of Portage County staff operations are under the oversight of a board of directors. All accounts are reconciled monthly and reviewed by the Treasurer and Board of Directors, or Executive Committee. An independent audit is conducted annually.
Q.	*I support a favorite organization of my own. Why should I also give to other organizations through the United Way of Portage County campaign?*?
A.	Your contribution to United Way is an efficient and effective way to address many of the complex health and human service needs in our community. Your gift will combined with others and invested in over 30 carefully monitored health and human service programs right here in Portage County. To direct your contribution to a specific United Way program, just complete the donor designation section of the pledge form.
Q.	*I’ll never use the services, so why should I give?*
A.	None of us know when or if we will need the services of a United Way program, but chances are you or someone you know has benefited. Last year, United Way supported services touched the lives of approximately one of every four people in our community. United Way supports programs that will help you, your family, your friends or co-workers if an emergency should occur. Job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, disabilities, family problems, mental disorders, and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Our whole community benefits when individual members are supported.
Q.	*What is the local United Way’s relationship with United Way of America?*
A.	United Way of Portage County is a local autonomous organization led by a volunteer board of directors. United Way of America is a completely separate organization that provides training, research data, items with the United Way logo, and other services that are more cost effective to produce on a national scale. United Way of America has no say in how our local United Way is administrated or how we invest contributors’ dollars – that is done by local volunteers.
Q.	*What are United Way’s administrative costs?*
A.	United Way of Portage County keeps their administrative costs low, and by doing so maximizes the impact of your gift by investing the majority of dollars directly to people in need of services. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance encourages nonprofits to keep their operating costs to 35%. United Way of Portage County’s are below 15%, ensuring that more than 85 cents of each dollar donated to United Way goes directly to fund local programs.
Q.	*I don’t want my money to go to fund a certain program or service.*
A.	First, be sure that that program or service is funded through United Way – for example, we do not fund abortion services. If the objection is about a program that is on the United Way funding list, you may consider targeting your contribution through United Way’s Donor Designation option – selecting a program within a priority area that you do support. Withholding your support because of an objection to one service penalizes the programs providing thousands of Portage County residents with services.
Q.	*Is my United Way contribution tax deductible?*
A.	Yes, if you itemize your deductions. Known donors making a contribution of $250 or more will receive a mailed receipt from United Way to satisfy IRS regulations.
*Other Questions??*	*Please ask your company employee campaign coordinator, or contact United Way staff by phone (341-6740), or e-mail (uway@unitedwaypoco.org).*