Campaign FAQ

1) How much of the funds raised by United Way are used for administrative expenses?

Orange County United Way is recognized as one of the best examples of cost efficient fundraising. An extensive network of over 2,000 local volunteers solicit and distribute the money raised, keeping administrative costs to a minimum. Volunteers keep United Way costs low and enable 80 cents of every dollar to go directly to help local people in need.

2) Who determines which agencies get funded?

A team of volunteers work together to make informed decisions about which agencies receive funding from United Way. Strict guidelines must be adhered to in order to receive and maintain United Way funding. Any non-profit organization meeting funding criteria may apply for United Way funding each year.

3) Do United Way member agencies only help the poor?

No. People served through Orange County United Way participating agencies come from all walks of life, representing all ethnic, social and religious backgrounds - no matter what their income level. In Orange County, more than one person out of every three directly benefits from United Way funded programs and services such as disaster assistance, scouting, family counseling and affordable day care. Anyone can turn to United Way participating agencies for help - whether in a crisis or otherwise. Funds are distributed where they will do the most good for the total community, and indirectly we all benefit from living and working in a healthier and happier community.

4) Do United Way member agencies duplicate services provided by federal programs?

Government programs add to - not duplicate - services the non-profit agencies provide. Much of the federal spending is for massive programs intended to eliminate conditions that cause people to live in poverty. United Way agencies provide many kinds of human care services: childcare counseling, rehabilitation, disaster relief, etc. Also, United Way provides leverage dollars - that is, some agencies receive a federal, state and county match for each United Way dollar they receive.

5) Since my spouse gives for both of us, does than mean I shouldn’t give?

No. United Way depends on every working person to give his or her contribution. By everyone giving at the workplace, we all benefit from the additional programs and services these donations help support.

6) Do some United Way agencies charge for services?

Yes. Orange County United Way member agencies serve all of us, middle class and up, as well as the poor. To cover the full cost of operating these agencies would require raising many times the amount we do now - an impossible task. Fees based on ability to pay represent another source of income for member agencies. Accommodations are made for people who need help, but cannot pay at all.

7) There is one United Way agency I do not like. Does that mean I should not give?

No. Orange County United Way supports 32 participating agencies. Additionally, grants are awarded annually to qualified non-affiliated agencies meeting critical needs in Orange County. Children, the elderly, physically challenged and others receive help from your gift. Not every agency will appeal to or be used by every person, but you should realize that by not pledging a gift, you are penalizing all agencies, not just the one with which you disagree.

8) I can’t afford to raise my contribution to Orange County United Way; there isn’t enough money?

We are all fighting the “Cost of Living Battle”. It seems to get harder all the time. But just think, if we feel the “pinch”, what must it be like for someone less fortunate who needs help?

9) Should I feel pressured to give?

No. Orange County United Way believes that the most responsive donors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. Well planned campaigns with an effective communication program, conducted by committed volunteers, ensure the best campaign results, and maximize the amount of funded services that will become available to Orange County residents in the coming year. Pressuring individuals to give is an undesirable substitute for this education process and hurts both the prospective contributor and United Way.

10) Isn’t the “Hour a Month” standard too high?

The “Hour a Month” rule of thumb, which suggests donating 1-3 hours pay per month (depending on salary), is based on the giving pattern of thousands of other United Way contributors. This is simply a guide to help you learn what other people in your income bracket are actually investing. Remember, your gift supports more than 52 worthy programs and 32 participating agencies. Your gift works here in Orange County every single day of the year.

11) There is no need to contribute - the Government should take care of everybody.

As you know, the reverse is happening in the political arena. If the government really did take care of everybody, there obviously would be no need for a United Way campaign. However, if that were to happen, you would surely see a huge increase in your tax bill. United Way is able to utilize volunteers, whereas the government would have to pay for those resources and therefore, would provide the same services at a much higher cost.

12) Why does United Way have payroll deduction and few others do?

The access of charitable organizations to fundraising in the workplace (and to payroll deduction), is determined by individual companies and organizations. Workplace campaigns are appealing because Orange County United Way offers a convenient full Donor Choice program that allows contributors to give their gift directly to the non-profit of their choice provided it conforms to federal standards, and has a stated health and human service mission.

Most organizations do support United Way because of the numerous advantages offered by this type of combined campaigning. Through United Way, organizations can demonstrate their corporate responsibility to the community through a system which is efficient and accountable; a system which makes maximum use of the limited time for charitable appeals in the workplace; a system which supports over 52 health and human service programs with a “once a year” campaign. United Way directs contributed funds toward priority needs through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers representing all parts of our community.

13) What is Donor Choice?

Orange County United Way allows donors to direct all or part of their gift to the agency, or service area of their choice. This can include:

• Community Care Fund - Local volunteers decide which agencies to fund based on priority community needs.
• Choosing to give to a specific category of need,
• Or, choosing to contribute to any non-profit human care agency rather than giving to United Way.

14) Can agencies currently receiving United Way funds also receive money through Donor Choice?

Yes. United Way must honor all designations through the Donor Choice program. Those agencies whose programs are funded by United Way will also receive any money designated to them through Donor Choice in addition to any United Way funding they receive. Donor Choice contributors are not counted as part of an agency’s allocation.

15) Is the Orange County United Way a local “chapter” of the United Way of America?

No. Orange County United Way is an independent, self-governing organization governed by local volunteers. United Way of America is a National service and training center, or “Trade Association.”

16) How does the Orange County United Way’s overhead compare to other non-profit agencies?

The Orange County United Way has one of the lowest overhead costs of any non-profit organization in Orange County. In short, contributing to the United Way is the best way to help the most people.

17) How many paid employees does Orange County United Way have on staff? How are salaries determined?

The Orange County United Way is made up of 8 paid employees that provide support and assistance to over 2,000 local volunteers and 32 member agencies.

Salaries are determined by volunteers according to comparable wages in similar communities. The volunteer Board of Directors has ultimate decision making authority related to personnel and all other organizational issues.

18) How can I get more information about Orange County United Way?

By calling (845) 457-4774 or writing to Orange County United Way at 30 Scott's Corners Drive, Suite 102, Montgomery, NY 12549. United Way books are audited annually by a local, certified public accounting firm and are open for review by visiting the United Way office at 30 Scott’s Corners Drive in Montgomery.

19) Is there a company that will produce products with my company logo and the United Way logo?

Yes. Sales Service America has an entire line of products that can be customized with your company logo. For a catalog call them at 1-800-772-0008 or visit them online at www.unitedwaysupplies.com.

Orange County United Way
We need you now, more than EVER