What does United Way of Southeast Alaska do?United Way
of Southeast Alaska is in the unique position to act as a
neutral hub, partnering with government, individuals, businesses
and the nonprofit sector to address community-wide issues. We
link donors to issues they care about. We partner with 40 health
and social service agencies to achieve significant community
impact.
Does United Way of Southeast Alaska address particular
needs?
Yes. We focus our partnerships and fundraising efforts on
programs that help:
- Nurture children and youth.
- Care for the elderly and people with special needs.
- Strengthen families and individuals.
- Meet the basic needs of people in crisis.
What is the relationship between United Way of America and
our local United Way?
United Way of America is a trade association for United Ways.
Local United Ways are independent, separately incorporated
nonprofits, governed by local volunteers. United Way of
Southeast Alaska chooses to belong to and purchase services from
the national organization. Of the funds we raise, less than .75%
goes toward our membership fees. In exchange, we receive
administrative and research support, training opportunities,
discounts on goods and services, and the right to use the United
Way trademark. It's a good investment.
Does my gift stay in my community?
Yes. Whether you designate your United Way gift to United Way
of Southeast Alaska or to another local nonprofit, 99% of the
donation stays here in Southeast Alaska.
When I give to United Way, may I choose where my money
goes?
Yes. Your pledge form gives you the option to direct your
gift to the United Way of Southeast Alaska, to a specific
nonprofit organization, or to your local Southeast community.
It's your choice. This is how United Way of Southeast Alaska
provides the best possible service to individual donors in our
community.
How do I know my United Way donation goes where it’s
needed most?
Gifts of time and money have helped
the United Way of Southeast Alaska to identify critical needs in
our communities. For instance, the Compass II project, funded by
the Rasmuson Foundation, found that 70% of the people in Juneau
targeted affordable housing and homelessness and their number
one concern. In Ketchikan, the number one priority was improving
the city for kids. By giving to the United Way Community Impact
Fund, we are able to target those funds to the identified issues
of highest concern.
Your gift helps us partner with
effective service providers, collaborate with appropriate
entities and fund solutions that will create lasting change.
Giving to United Way is the most
efficient way to give and it allows your gift to multiply your
power to solve community problems.
How can I be sure my United Way pledge instructions are
followed?
We certify the integrity of our operations through annual
internal and external audits.
Who donates to United Way?
In recent years, about 75% of total gifts have come from
individuals; around 25% are corporate gifts.
How much of my contribution actually goes where it is
needed?
We’re proud of our efficiency. Seventeen percent of your
donation covers fund-raising and administrative costs at United
Way. We at United Way of Southeast Alaska are good stewards of
your resources. The national standard for nonprofit overhead is
25% of total funds raised, with the Better Business Bureau
recommending a cap of 35% spent on overhead.
Why do some agencies raise funds when they are already
funded by United Way?
Agency budgets exceed the income available from United Way.
You can help us identify and address agencies' most critical
funding needs by giving directly to the United Way. In addition,
we invite your suggestions and insight. Let us know where you
believe our resources will have the most significant community
impact.
How are United Way funds allocated?
A group of dedicated volunteers serve on the Community Impact
committee, which is divided into four panels that review
agencies providing services in the areas of care listed above.
Based on community research, site visits, agency presentations,
and financial and operational reviews, the panel members
recommend funding levels for agencies, programs and projects.
How much money does United Way raise annually?
Collectively, United Ways collect nearly $4 billion to help
their communities. In Southeast Alaska, donors contributed
slightly more than $500,000.
If I stop working, what happens to my pledge?
Payroll deduction pledges would stop when you no longer
receive paychecks.
My spouse gives at work, why should I?
If your household is fortunate to have two incomes, we hope
you will consider making two contributions through the payroll
deduction system, with each of you pledging a gift based on your
ability to give. Many spouses wish to make independent giving
choices and earn recognition within and for their own work
places.
Why aren't all agencies United Way partners?
United Way is interested in partnering with health and social
service agencies in Southeast Alaska that address our four key
areas of care, and that meet our standards for effective
management. Periodically agencies are encouraged to apply for
membership status; they must meet the United Way of
Southeast Alaska criteria.
Does United Way fund agencies with religious affiliations?
Some of our agencies have religious origins, such as the
Catholic Social Services, the Glory Hole, Love INC, and St.
Vincent de Paul. United Way agencies serve anyone in our
community – regardless of religious affiliation.
I feel I am being pressured to give.
Voluntary giving is what United Way is all about – no one
should feel forced to give. In fact, United Way has a policy
against coercion. The decision to give is always personal.
Why should I give? I never use agency services.
Statistics show that one of three people will use United Way
services in their lifetime. Your support ensures that you, your
loved ones, and your neighbors will have help when it is needed.
Your gift enhances the quality of life in the community where we
live, work, raise our families, and retire.
How do I benefit by giving to United Way of Southeast
Alaska?
Here are four benefits our donors enjoy:
- Collaboration. You join a community-wide effort to
make life better for all.
- Results. You help identify and implement long-term
solutions to community problems.
- Impact. Your gift is leveraged through partnerships
that achieve maximum community impact.
- Stewardship. Our operational expenses are well
below the national average for nonprofit organizations and
our operations are transparent. We work to serve as a model
nonprofit and mentor to all nonprofit agencies.
Why should I give to United Way when I can give directly
to an agency?
Of course, any gift that supports human services in Southeast
Alaska is welcome. When you give to United Way, you do more than
support an individual agency. You support a community-wide
effort to understand and address our region's larger system of
human service needs. You support efforts to ensure effective
nonprofit management practices. You support partnerships that
magnify the impact of your gift. You support the idea that we
can accomplish far more together than we can alone. Thank You!
The smart way. The compassionate way.
The United Way. |
