Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the advantages of giving through United Way?

A. It makes a real impact - United Way combines your gift with thousands of others and then focuses these donations to have a measurable impact on key issues that matter in our community like:

• Education-Helping children, youth and adults achieve their full potential.
• Income-Promoting financial stability and independence
• Health-Improving people’s health

A. It’s local - Funds raised in the Marion, Polk and Yamhill area stay right here to address local problems. It’s accountable - Local stakeholders decide which programs receive funds and ensure that funded programs have measureable outcomes. It’s efficient - Volunteers help conduct the campaign, which help keep costs low. It’s easy - Payroll deduction makes giving simple and easy.

Q. I can only afford to give a small amount. Is it worth giving at all?
A. Yes, every donation is important. Giving in proportion to your ability gives a sense of belonging to a larger community, and of making a difference. And payroll deduction makes it easy to give a little each pay period resulting in a substantial annual gift! Additionally, United Way combines your gift to Community Impact Fund with thousands of others and then focuses these donations to have a measurable impact on key issues that matter in our community.

Q. When I contribute money to United Way, how are my dollars used?

A. When you contribute to United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley, you invest in the future of our community. You are helping more than just one person or charity—you are changing community conditions that create lasting results.

Your dollars support a wide variety of programs and initiatives in our community. These programs address hunger, homelessness, violence and abuse, strengthening families, youth development, after school programs, mental health services, programs for health and rehabilitation and more.

Q. How do I know United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley is focusing on the right issues?

A. Local community leaders and volunteers-your friends and neighbors-help ensure that United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is focusing on the most pressing needs in our community. Volunteers examine community needs, review agency grants, visit agencies and review their programs, and deliberate to ensure that donor contributions our meeting critical needs. This is how United Way makes sure the right issues are being addressed.

Q. My spouse gives ... Why should I?
A. When families are fortunate enough to have two incomes, each may contribute at their own place of employment.

Q. I already volunteer my time. Why should I give?

A. Those who volunteer are more likely to give. They see the needs firsthand. Many of the agencies could not exist if it were not for the hundreds of volunteer hours “given” each year. Keep in mind, however, that basic overhead (water, electricity, space, staff) cannot be paid with “in-kind” contributions. That is why monetary contributions are vital to the survival of community services.

Q. I haven’t ever used United Way services. Why should I give?

A. United Way-funded services help everyone. It is a popular misconception that only the jobless and truly “at risk” seek help from United Way partner organizations. Everyday people have problems and needs too - marital problems, child care needs, alcohol and drug abuse problems, troubled teens and aging parents - and United Way services are available to all. Your United Way contribution helps your co-workers, your friends, your neighbors, and your family.

Q. There are a lot of agencies out there. Why should I give to the Community Impact Fund?

A. United Way volunteers provide accountability for donations to the Community Impact Fund. Simply put, the Community Impact Fund takes the guesswork out of giving and makes sure your dollars will be directed to local agency programs and community initiatives that address key community problems, such as nurturing children and youth, increasing people’s economic self-sufficiency, promoting health, wellness and safety, as well as meeting people’s basic needs.

Trained, knowledgeable volunteers - people who live and work in our community - invest your gift through United Way agencies. When you choose the Community Impact Fund, you are helping to make our community stronger and safer.

Q. Are donations to United Way tax deductible?

A. Yes, United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is a tax-exempt, charitable organization recognized under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and all donations are deductible. Your payroll stubs, along with your payroll deduction form serve as your tax-deduction receipt.

Q. What is United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s affiliation with United Way of America?

A. United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is a separate and autonomous organization from United Way of America. UWMWV is a local organization, serving Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. Like the nearly 1,400 community-based United Ways across the country, our United Way is separately incorporated and independently governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors so that the most critical issues in our communities can be addressed.

Q. What are United Way’s operating costs?

A. United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley takes pride in operating with efficiency and effectiveness. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that non-program service expenses not exceed 35% of total expenses. We are proud to say that our current support service expenses are 11% administration and 8% to run the annual community campaign, which:

• Serves our three-county service area of Marion, Polk and Yamhill
• Supports more than 300 companies, helping them run employee giving campaigns
• Builds awareness of community needs and issues, as well as the programs and partnerships working to improve lives and impact change
• Encourages participants to get involved in our community through giving, volunteerism and mentorship.

Q. When is my donation distributed?

A. Your donation is made in for the form of a pledge, or promise, to donate over the course of a year through your payroll deduction process. Your donation will then be distributed in the grant cycle immediately following the campaign in which it was pledged.

Q. Does United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley offer major gift and planned giving programs?

A. For those with the ability and desire to give more, United Way offers the Leadership Giving for donations of $1,000 to $9,999 annually, and The Alexis de Tocqueville Society for annual gifts of $10,000 or more.
For planned giving, United Way’s Endowment Fund sustains your caring beyond your lifetime.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED