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About Us Links
- VISION / MISSION / VALUES
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- STAFF DIRECTORY
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- 2010 ANNUAL REPORT / FINANCIAL STATEMENT
- 2010 / IRS 990
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.
3600 8th Avenue South
P.O. Box 320189
Birmingham, AL 35232-0189
Phone: (205) 251-5131
Fax: (205) 323-8730
United Way of Central Alabama History
United Way of Central Alabama, Inc., formerly The Birmingham Community Chest, was organized in 1923 with 31 agencies and a goal of $450,000. Even in 1929, the year of the stock market crash, the goal was met and more than half a million dollars was raised - a remarkable amount, considering the economic conditions. In 1943, during World War II, the Birmingham Community Chest campaign raised more than $1 million for the first time. In 1956, it changed its name to the United Appeal. Two years later, the $2 million milestone was passed.
In 1969, the local organization was invited into neighboring Shelby County, and in 1970, agencies in Walker County were asked to be included as well. That year, more than $4 million was raised. In January 1985, the legal name was changed to the United Way-Community Chest of Central Alabama, Inc. In 1992, the name was changed to United Way of Central Alabama, Inc.
Throughout its history, United Way has not changed its basic purpose - to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another and to improve their community.
together to help others.
and to improve their community.
Helping People
Accountability
Efficiency
Excellence
Voluntary Giving
Integrity & Fairness
Frequently Asked Q
Frequently Asked Questions About United Way
Q: Who decides where the money goes?
A: Our United Way makes funding decisions based on local priorities. United Way supports
agencies and programs that work in this community to strengthen families and individuals.
Last year, over 600 volunteers representing over 300 businesses and organizations participated in the allocations process.. Local experienced volunteers assess community needs and determine how to distribute funds so that donors know their money is battling the most pressing issues and reaching people who need it most. Last year, our partners received over $32 million to improve lives and community conditions.
Q: How is my contribution invested?
A: It is invested in four key areas:
Helping Children, Youth & Families
Services that strengthen family bonds, and help children stay on track through positive programs and provide caring adult role models.
Promoting Health & Rehabilitation
Providing people faced with disease or disabilities with education, counseling and support programs.
Proving for Basic Needs and Emergencies
Programs strive to make sure residents of the five county area have food, clothing, financial counseling, job skills training, and shelter during times of crisis an emergency.
Providing Counseling & Mental Health
Providing access to supportive counseling services for men, women, children, and families that help promote self-sufficiency and mental health.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: On average, 91 cents of every dollar raised by United Way goes directly to programs and services with only 9 cents going to fundraising and overhead. The Council of Better Business Bureaus considers 50% to be an acceptable figure, so you can be sure that United Way is handling your hard-earned contribution efficiently and effectively.
Children, Youth & Families 25%
Basic Needs 20%
Health & Rehabilitation 16%
Counseling & Mental Health 13%
Fundraising & Administration 9%
Community Services, New Programs & Unplanned Agency Needs 4%
Designations & Pledge Loss 13%
Q: Where Does the Money Come From?
A:
Employee gifts = 70%
Corporate gifts = 20%
Individuals and Foundations = 10%
Q: Who uses the services of United Way?
A:
White = 51%
Black = 48%
Other = 1%Female = 54%
Male = 46%
Q: What is the difference between United Way of Central Alabama, Inc. and
United Way of America?
A: United Way of America is a membership association for independent United Ways across the country. It is a service and training center for United Ways which want to use their services. United Way of Central Alabama is an independent organization based in Birmingham, Alabama serving Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount and St. Clair Counties.
Q: Does United Way of America set policy for local United Ways?
A: No. Each United Way is separate from one another and has its own Board of Directors that makes decisions about what is best for their community. Local volunteers who know their community also make all funding decisions for local agencies.
Q: Does any money contributed go to United Way of America?
A: Yes. Less than one percent of every dollar goes to pay for the training and technical support.
Q: What does our United Way receive for paying dues?
A: United Way of America conducts national market research, assists with NFL/United Way advertising, administration of emergency food and shelter grant money (FEMA), gifts in kind, and training for staff and volunteers and National Corporate Leadership accounts. We get much more back in services than what we pay