Frequently Asked QUestions

Q: WHAT DOES UNITED WAY OF PIERCE COUNTY DO WITH THE MONEY IT RAISES?

A: Thanks to the generosity of individual donors and businesses across our community, in 2010 United Way was able to:

• Help prepare 22,888 children to be successful in school and in life.
• Help 4,185 people access services for gaining employment and permanent housing
• Create opportunities for 78,695 of our most vulnerable to have access to health care.
• Provide greater support to more than 116 local nonprofit programs to respond to the critical needs of thousands of families living here.
• Receive 83,848 calls from people looking for vital community services through the South Sound 2-1-1 call center.
  

Q: WE ALREADY GIVE TO COMMUNITY GROUPS. WHY SHOULD WE ALSO GIVE TO UNITED WAY?

A: We applaud your support of specific community groups that you care about and hope it continues. Did you know your donations to other community groups can be made through United Way, allowing you to take advantage of payroll deduction? This method gives those organizations the added benefit of a consistent cash flow throughout the entire year.

In addition, giving directly to United Way’s Community Solutions Fund allows you to support many other vital organizations with a single gift. In doing so, you strengthen the safety net of programs that help the most vulnerable in our community today and you invest in truly effective long-term solutions to our most challenging problems.

Q: WHO RUNS UNITED WAY?

A: United Way of Pierce County is a local, volunteer-driven organization. Our current Board of Directors averages 37 members from many different areas of the community including labor, the military, nonprofits and corporations. All policy and investment decisions made at United Way of Pierce County are approved by the volunteers serving on our board.

Q: WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SPENDING MY DONATED DOLLAR?

A: United Way’s Investment Review Panel volunteers have the important job of studying the human service needs, strengths and resources in Pierce County. These local volunteers review applications for funds, visit programs and research issues to determine which services best meet the needs of people in our community. Who decides? Local volunteers, people like you.

Q: HOW DOES UWPC MAKE SURE OUR DOLLARS ARE REALLY WORKING? WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS THAT NEED TO BE MET?

A: All programs funded through the United Way of Pierce County investment process are
required to document and report annually on pre-agreed upon outcomes. All investments to advance collaborative work in areas such as early learning, housing, health care and
economic security also have agreed-upon quantifiable outcomes.

Q: HOW MUCH OF MY DONATED DOLLAR GOES TO ADMINISTRATION AND HOW MUCH GOES TO SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY PROGRAMS?

A: United Way of Pierce County is one of the most cost-effective organizations in the country. Currently, 83 cents of every dollar raised by the organization is invested in programs addressing critical local needs in Pierce County. Current operating costs are calculated based on United Way of America standards and reported on the Federal 990 Form available on our web site.

Operating efficiencies help us work with hundreds of companies in more than 400 worksites across Pierce County and with more than 13,000 donors to raise and manage nearly $16.3 million dollars in financial gifts, volunteer time and in-kind support. Our 2010 operating costs of 17 percent compare very favorably to the accepted amount of 35 percent or less determined by the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Standards of Charitable Accountability.

In April of 2009, the United Way of Pierce County received a four-star rating (the highest possible) for the fourth consecutive year for sound fiscal management by the independent national rating firm Charity Navigator. Only nine percent of the thousands of charities rated nationwide and only four other United Ways out of 1,250 nationwide have been so recognized.

Q: IF I DON’T LIKE A PARTICULAR AGENCY, CAN I CHOOSE NOT TO HAVE MY DOLLARS GO TO THAT AGENCY?

A: If you want to direct your dollars, just designate your United Way gift to those organizations you wish to support. You can do that easily on the UWPC pledge form.

Q: WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS FUND AND NOT TO A SPECIFIC AGENCY?

A: Giving to the Community Solutions Fund helps protect a safety net of services for the
most vulnerable in our community, including those in immediate crisis, and also allows you to invest in long-term solutions to our most pressing community needs. Your gifts to the Community Solutions Fund are investments in Education, Income and Health and a strong safety-net of essential services.

Q: I’M ON A TIGHT BUDGET. HOW CAN I AFFORD TO GIVE?

A: Every gift counts. When you reach out a hand to one, you influence the condition of all. That’s what LIVE UNITED means. Even a modest pledge per pay period can help provide vital services to people in need in our community. By giving though payroll deduction, you can spread your gift throughout the year. Your gift, combined with that of your friends, neighbors and co-workers, adds up and can truly make a difference in our community.

You can also volunteer your time (check out UWPC’s Volunteer Center at www.uwpc.org) or donate new and gently-used items to United Way’s Gifts in Kind program where they will be distributed to other nonprofit organizations serving those in need throughout Pierce County.

Q: IF I DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO A CERTAIN AGENCY, DOES THAT REDUCE THE FUNDS THEY MIGHT RECEIVE OTHERWISE FROM UNITED WAY OF PIERCE COUNTY?

A: No. Designated and undesignated gifts to United Way of Pierce County are distributed separately.