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 five 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
