If you have additional questions, please contact United Way of Portage County at 715-341-6740 or email uway@unitedwaypoco.org.
Why should I give to United Way?
Your support of United Way and our partner programs are making a difference every day in the lives of children, adults, seniors, and families in our community. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people have good health.
Who decides where the money goes?
People like you, right here in Portage County. Volunteers from all walks of life review program applications, visit agencies, make funding decisions, and prioritize community needs to ensure that your dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Contact Mae Nachman – VP of Community Impact at United Way to learn more.
What is the local United Way's relationship with United Way Worldwide?
United Way of Portage County is a local autonomous organization led by a volunteer board of directors. United Way Worldwide is a separate organization that provides training, research data, best-practices, and related services that are more cost-effective to produce on a national scale. United Way Worldwide has no role in determining how funds raised locally are invested.
Who runs the United Way of Portage County?
More than 100 unpaid volunteers who live and work in Portage County. Volunteers organize campaigns, supervise audits, budget funds, determine policy, and lead the organization. An all-volunteer Board of Directors hires professional staff to administer the daily operations of the organization.
How does the United Way ensure financial integrity?
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.
Isn’t it better to just give directly to an agency?
Your gifts going directly to an agency do help our community. The value of United Way is that your gift addresses multiple, current, and critical community needs. This creates efficiencies, directing resources to programs and program staff who work collaboratively with United Way for the mutual benefit of our shared - target populations. To direct your contribution to a specific program, just complete the donor designation section of the pledge form. A specific program designation will be the first dollars the program receives towards its United Way grant.
I'll never use the services, so why should I give?
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people enjoy good health. These changes have benefits that ripple out into the community. If you never use these services, odds are that you may know someone who has or will use them in the future. Rest assured that your support holds the power to transform lives at a time when they’re needed the most.
What are United Way's administrative costs?
United Way of Portage County keeps their administrative costs low, typically around 20%, investing the majority of funds raised directly to local programs that support individuals and families. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance encourages nonprofits to keep operating costs below 35%. United Way of Portage County works hard to stay substantially below the 35% threshold while remaining focused on delivering maximum value and efficiencies to donors, program recipients and the greater Portage County community.
I don't want my money to fund a certain program or service.
The first step is to make sure the program or service in question is a United Way of Portage County funded program. If the objection is about a program that is on our current Partner Program list (list located at https://www.unitedwaypoco.org/funded-programs) consider targeting your donation to a program(s) or a priority area that you feel compelled and confident to support. Just complete the donor designation portion on the pledge form.
Is my United Way contribution tax deductible?
Yes, if you itemize your deductions. Donors making a contribution of $100 or more will receive a mailed receipt from United Way of Portage County to satisfy IRS regulations. PLEASE NOTE : donations made through payroll deduction DO NOT receive a mailed receipt – your final payroll stub corresponding to the payroll deduction year your donation was deducted acts as your receipt.