Campaign FAQs

These are some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns people have about the United Way of the National Capital Area Campaign. A contribution to the United Way Campaign is an investment in the human services that strengthen our community, and all "investors" should know the value and efficiency of the services they're helping to support.

Q:  Why have a United Way Campaign?

A:  This single, annual fundraising drive which helps to provide a multitude of services to the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area is the most efficient, economical method yet devised. It works so well because volunteers combine their resources for one coordinated appeal. Contributors also have the opportunity to see their charity dollars go the furthest to do the most good, helping to support almost 900 agencies and nine Community Impact Funds through their gifts.

Q:  What makes the United Way unique?

A:  The United Way of the National Capital Area consists of a far-reaching network of more than almost 900 agencies that assist people in your community - your neighbors, friends, and family. Our time-tested experience in working with local non-profits allows us to raise money for many initiatives simultaneously. Through our annual campaign, employees in local businesses and governments donate a small portions of each paycheck to the United Way. Those payroll deductions add up to millions in annual monies that we distribute to causes that directly impact your community.

Q:  How does United Way help my community?

A:  United Way's fundraising efforts support non-profit organizations that help people from all walks of life. The variety of the non-profits supported by the 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 non-profit partners also serve the homeless, victims of domestic violence, at-risk children, and other people in need.

Q:  Why should I give to United Way - why not give directly to an individual non-profit?

A:  There are two key reasons to give to United Way rather than directly to a non-profit.

First, United Way's annual campaign efforts give area non-profits 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 non-profit 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 non-profit 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.

Q:  What are the Community Impact Funds?

A:  Each of the eight regions that make up the United Way of the National Capital Area has its own Community Impact Fund in addition to United Way of the National Capital Area's Community Impact Fund which directs funds to all eight regions. These funds allow United Way to solve critical issues facing our communities that no one person, non-profit, or company can address alone.

Q:  How can I be sure that my donation to United Way will be used efficiently and effectively?

A:  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, United Way of the National Capital Area has:


• Committed experienced management at all levels of the organization.
  
  
• 20 member engaged volunteer Board of Directors responsible for oversight over the entire organization.
  
  
• Code of Conduct, adopted and signed by all staff and volunteers.
  
  
• An independent ethics officer.
  
  
• Tight financial controls and procedures.
  
  
• Tough forensic audit.
  
  
• A new lower administrative and overhead fee.
  
  
• United Way of the National capital Area's mission: To mobilize community resources to meet community needs.
  
  
Q:  How much of my United Way donation goes to programs and services?

A:  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. UWNCA is now using a lower administrative fee for conducting its fundraising, fund distribution and year-round operations by instituting a new four-tier fee structure: a flat fee of $600 for individual contributions over $10,000; 8 percent for gifts from approved new accounts and organizations that use on-line pledging; 10 percent for contributions to UWNCA member agencies; and 12.5 percent for pledges to non-member agencies.

Q:  How do non-profits become affiliated with United Way?

A:  Each year, organizations must apply to be promoted 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 in all programs and services.
  
  
• 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 25% or less. We allow 35% with justification and plan for lowering costs.
  
  
• 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 United Way of the National Capital Area - a volunteer team made up of local business and community leaders - has issued a moratorium on allowing new non-profits to be promoted in the annual 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.


Q:  How do non-profits benefit from United Way affiliation?

A:  First, our non-profit 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 and public sectors, 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.

Q:  Is my gift tax deductible?

A:  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 pay stubs 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.

Q:  What if I can't afford to make a donation?

A:  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 its combined with the more than $39 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.

Q:  Can I choose how my donation will be used - to a specific issue or non-profit that I think has the most need?

A:  Yes, you can choose to give to one non-profit - or several - that match your personal interests. Or, maximize the power of your donation by giving to one or more of the nine regional Community Impact 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 non-profit and a Community Impact Fund - it's up to you.

Q:  When are United Way agencies notified that they will receive money?

A:  Each year at the end of March, United Way notifies our non-profit partners of their designations from the campaign. Donations to write-in organizations are notified at the time they receive payment. Our non-profit partners are informed of donors' names, should the donor choose to release the information.

Q:  If I designate "UWNCA" on my pledge card, where does my donation go?

A:  These donations go to our eight regional Community Impact Funds, where they're used to address the most serious issues affecting our communities, 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.

Q:  How is my local United Way connected to United Way of America, and to other United Ways across the country?

A:  As your local United Way, the United Way of the National Capital Area runs an annual campaign that provides funding for local non-profit 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.

Q:  I understand that the United Way helps my community - but if I need help, where can I turn?

A:  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 845 local non-profit 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.

Visit the UWNCA Agency Search page for more information.

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