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

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 of the Mid-Willamette Valley, 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 provided by health and human service agencies 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. Contributors are asked to give according to the United Way Giving Guide that uses an individual’s annual wage to determine the level of giving. 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.