Frequently Asked Questions

What makes United Way unique?
United Way of the National Capital Area consists of a far-reaching network of more than 1,000 health and human service agencies that assist people in your community - your neighbors, friends, and family. Our time-tested experience in working with local nonprofits allows us to raise money for many initiatives simultaneously. Through our annual campaign, employees in local businesses and the federal government donate a small portion of each paycheck to the United Way. Those payroll deductions add up to more than $18 million in annual monies that we distribute to causes that directly impact your community.

How does United Way help my community?
United Way's fundraising efforts support nonprofit organizations that help people from all walks of life. The variety of the 1,000 nonprofits supported by United Way of the National Capital Area reflects the diversity of the region's residents. Chances are that you, a family member, a friend, or a neighbor has benefited from programs that receive funding from the United Way campaign. For example, United Way agencies include child care centers, adoption agencies, the American Red Cross, 4-H, and more. Our nonprofit partners also serve the homeless, victims of domestic violence, at-risk children, and other people in need.

Why should I give to United Way - why not give directly to an individual nonprofit?
There are two key reasons to give to United Way rather than directly to a nonprofit.

First, United Way's annual campaign efforts gives area nonprofits a reliable source of funding. Instead of allocating precious and scarce resources to solicit individual contributions, these organizations can count on United Way to cost-effectively promote and administer a single campaign that raises money for many causes at once. While our nonprofit partners may have additional sources of income - such as foundation grants, events, and government assistance - United Way donations provide the crucial funds for their services and programs.

Second, and more importantly, your United Way gift is an investment in a powerful network of interconnected programs and services. No one nonprofit organization stands alone. The value of your donation has a "snowball effect," giving it a system-wide impact. For example, say you gave directly to a women's shelter, which uses that money to provide much-needed food and clothing to its patrons. But what about when a resident of the shelter needs a job? Or a car to get to her job? When you donate to United Way, your contribution also goes to programs that can help her find work, transportation, permanent housing, child care, and more. It takes a system of support to help her get back on her feet. By donating to United Way, you strengthen that system. And by strengthening the system, you strengthen your entire community.

What are the Community Services Funds?
Each of the eight regions that make up the United Way of the National Capital Area has its own Community Services Fund. These Funds allow United Way to solve critical issues facing our communities that no one person, nonprofit, or company can address alone. For example, the Funds help support United Way-led programs like Success by Six, which give pre-school children the essential developmental resources they need - from healthcare to nutrition to tutoring - to be ready to learn when they enter school. When you give to these Funds, your dollars have the greatest possible impact because your donation goes where the need is most urgent in your community. These funding decisions are made by a volunteer, citizen-led task force that works together with area nonprofits, governments, and business leaders to determine where there are gaps in services.

How can I be sure that my donation to United Way will be used efficiently and effectively?
We understand that your donation represents more than money - it shows your trust in our organization and our ability to serve the community. Because the value of that trust is priceless, we've instituted major reforms across our organization to ensure that your dollars make the greatest possible impact, including:

All-new, fully committed management
Smaller, vigilant, more engaged Board of Directors for keener oversight
Code of Conduct, adopted and signed by all staff and volunteers
Appointment of an independent ethics officer
Tightened financial controls and substantial spending reductions
Tough forensic audit of our past - and a guarantee to seek restitution for the community
Flat 10% administrative and fundraising fee

United Way's mission is to create positive, ongoing change in our local communities through effective, efficient, and ethical fundraising. We take this mission seriously and work hard to maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

How much of my United Way donation goes to programs and services?
United Way has a long tradition as the leader in low-cost community impact - just ask the Better Business Bureau! Our proven consolidated fundraising concept, combined with the generous efforts of our campaign volunteers, helps us maintain low costs and high efficiency. Plus, our new uniform "flat-fee" policy means that just 10 cents on every dollar collected goes to covering the administrative, fundraising, and processing costs associated with our annual campaign.

What if I give through payroll deduction, but then leave my job - will United Way cover my pledge?
All nonprofits that participate in the United Way annual campaign anticipate some uncollected pledges each year. To cover these uncollected pledges and guarantee reliable monthly funding to all of our nonprofit partners, UWNCA sets aside 6.5% of every pledged dollar as an "uncollected reserve." If you leave your company before donating the full amount you pledged, this reserve allows UWNCA to make good on your pledge. UWNCA pays out pledged dollars in 12 equal payments. If, at the end of the year, UWNCA collects more than expected, our nonprofit partners benefit from an additional 13th payment.

How do nonprofits become affiliated with United Way?
Each year, organizations must apply to participate in our campaign, and, in keeping with United Way's high standards of integrity and accountability, must meet strict criteria for approval, including:

Be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, with a constitution and/or by-laws
Observe and practice a policy of non-discrimination
Have an active governing body
Account for its funds according to GAAP and submit an independent audit
Prepare an annual report to the public
Receive at least 80% or more of its total support from sources other than the federal government
Use funds contributed in the campaign for their announced purposes and have administrative costs lower than 25%
Have a substantial presence in the geographical area covered by the United Way of the National Capital Area

Currently, the Board of Directors of the UWNCA - a volunteer team made up of local business and community leaders - has issued a moratorium on allowing new nonprofits to participate in the 2003 campaign. This decision was made to make sure that each and every United Way-funded program has a direct and positive impact on our community and its residents.

How do nonprofits benefit from United Way affiliation?
First, our nonprofit partners can take advantage of United Way's consolidated fundraising efforts, which give them a dependable source of annual funding and improve their operational efficiency. Second, their United Way affiliation raises their visibility in the private sector, improving their chances to win grants and other vital financial support. Finally, United Way gives them access to crucial planning resources, such as community needs assessments, so they can determine how their programs can best serve the public.

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes; in most cases you must have a receipt for your donation to meet IRS requirements. If you donate to United Way via payroll deduction, keep your paystubs as your receipts. If you make a one-time donation of $250 or more, you'll receive a tax receipt letter from United Way reflecting the amount of your gift. See your Campaign Coordinator for more details.

What if I can't afford to make a donation?
Giving is a personal and voluntary choice. Give as much as you can comfortably afford - even a dollar or two per pay period makes a difference when it's combined with the more than $18 million in donations pledged during our annual campaign. No matter the amount, your donation is valuable and has a direct, positive impact on the entire United Way system.

Can I choose how my donation will be used - to a specific issue or nonprofit that I think has the most need?
Yes, you can choose to give to one nonprofit - or several - that matches your personal interests. Or, maximize the power of your donation by giving to one or more of the nine regional Community Services Funds and let dedicated volunteers working in your community direct your dollars to programs that will have the greatest impact. Or donate to a specific nonprofit and a Community Services Fund - it's up to you.

When are United Way agencies notified that they will receive money?
Each year at the end of March, United Way notifies our nonprofit partners that participate in our campaign of their designations. Donations to write-in organizations are notified at the time they receive payment. Our nonprofit partners are informed of donors' names, should the donor choose to release it, in late April/early May.

If I designate "UWNCA" on my pledge card, where does my donation go?
These donations go to the Community Services Fund, where they're used to address the most serious issues affecting the community, as well as to other important community building initiatives such as Success by Six, a community-based partnership with Bank of America, that offers early childhood intervention and development programs.

How is my local United Way connected to United Way of America, and to other United Ways across the country?
As your local United Way, UWNCA runs an annual campaign that provides funding for local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. The money you donate finances health and human service programs throughout the eight regions comprising the United Way of the National Capital Area. Like the nearly 1,400 local United Ways around the country, we are separately incorporated and governed by a board of regional community leaders and volunteers.

The United Way of America, based in Alexandria, VA, is a trade association that offers training opportunities, research information, national advertising, information on best practices, and other support to local United Ways. These services are paid for through annual dues. The United Way of America neither raises nor distributes funds, nor does it set policy for local United Ways.

I understand that the United Way helps my community - but if I need help, where can I turn?
While the United Way of the National Capital Area does not provide direct assistance, we maintain a free database on our website of more than 1,000 local nonprofit organizations ready to help you. Whether you need health services, adoption resources or care for an elderly relative, there is a program in your area that can give you the specific help you need.