United Way Campaign: Frequently Asked Questions

What does United Way do?
How is the system organized?
Why should I give to United Way?
Relationship with United Way of America
Will a small amount do any good?
How are agencies selected?
Why do some agencies charge fees?
Do I have to make a donation?
Can I volunteer my time?
Who reviews the financial records?
How can I seek help from United Way?

What does United Way do?

The purpose of United Way is to improve people's lives and build better communities in Chicago and the suburbs by focusing financial and human resources to inspire hope, create opportunity and promote self-sufficiency. United Way raises and allocates funds and mobilizes volunteers to enable non-profit agencies to serve health and human service needs in greater Chicago; convenes partnerships that address important community issues and creates value by finding solutions that have a positive and measurable impact; and makes lasting improvements in the lives of individuals.

How is the United Way system in the Chicago metropolitan area organized?

The United Way system in metropolitan Chicago consists of two independent partners: United Way/Crusade of Mercy (UWCM) and United Way of Suburban Chicago (UWSC). UWCM allocates funds to agencies within the city of Chicago and is responsible for the management of the annual United Way fundraising campaign. UWSC is a federation of 58 local community-based United Ways which allocate funds to suburban agencies and coordinate fundraising in the suburban communities. The United Way system in metro Chicago serves people in Cook, DuPage and parts of Lake, Kane and Will Counties.

There are so many worthwhile fund drives, why should I give to United Way?

Giving through United Way is like investing in a mutual fund: United Way is the most practical and easiest way to ensure that comprehensive services are there to help millions of people in Chicago and the suburbs. More than 430 local health and human service agencies receive funding from United Way, and your annual contribution through United Way allows you to help more than 2.5 million people who live in the Chicagoland area. No one else touches so many.

What is our local United Way's relationship with the United Way of America?

Each local United Way is an independent and locally governed organization. United Way of America (UWA) serves as a training and service center for United Ways across the country but is not a national headquarters and has no governance or financing authority over local United Ways. We pay nominal dues-less than one-half of one percent of funds collected annually-to UWA for training, marketing and advertising materials, research, government relations, media relations counsel, and a national corporate development program.

I can't afford much. Will a small amount do any good?

Generosity is appreciated regardless of the amount of the gift-contributions that come as much from the heart as from the checkbook. Why not consider giving up a couple of cups of coffee or soft drinks a week? Modest donations given regularly through payroll deduction can add up to major dividends for those in need. For example, two dollars a pay period can provide 10 days of after-school care for children of working parents…eight hours of companionship for a lonely senior…two nights of shelter for a homeless person…two hours of legal counsel for a battered woman…and so on.

How are agencies selected for United Way funding?

Experienced volunteers from communities all over Chicagoland work together to assess the needs of their communities. These teams of volunteers reflect the cultural, ethnic and economic diversity of our metro area. To be eligible for United Way funding, agencies must adhere to these strict criteria:

Incorporation as a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and as a health and human care services not-for-profit organization in the State of Illinois, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
Formal application to United Way/Crusade of Mercy in Chicago or United Way of Suburban Chicago in the suburbs;
Documentation of effective delivery of high priority programs and service in a reliable, cost-effective manner;
Demonstration of sound financial and administration management practices through annual audits or other appropriate documentation;
Policies that prevent discrimination while allowing services targeted to specific groups of people such as day care for seniors of children;
Governance by a board of directors and publication of an annual report.

Why do some agencies charge fees?

The concept behind United Way is that human care services should be available to anyone who needs them. However, for those who are financially able, a sliding fee scale based on the ability to pay is charged, making it possible for people to get services who might not otherwise receive them.

Do I have to make a donation?

We hope that once you know the facts about United Way and the value it provides to our local communities, you will want to make a contribution. Certainly the more people who contribute, the more individuals and families that can be helped. The choice to give is yours-and yours alone.

How can I volunteer my time to help others?

There are many opportunities for volunteers in the Chicagoland area, and the United Way Volunteer Center can help you choose the right organization for you. Visit our website, http://www.chicagoserves.org, or call us at (312) 906-2425.

Who reviews United Way's financial records?

Experienced volunteer committees of the UWCM Board of Directors routinely and regularly review all financial records of the organization. The national accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand LLP annually audits the financial records of UWCM and also provides pro bono consultation to the organization. Likewise, experienced volunteer committees review the financial records of UWSC and the local United Ways, and these organizations, too, are audited annually by independent CPA firms.

When someone I know needs help-or if I do-will there be a United Way agency for me?

United Way runs a community referral service with specialists who can link you with a health or social service agency that can meet your needs. Call the Community Referral Service at (800) 725-5314 or (312) 876-1142. Your inquiries will be held in strictest confidence.