FAQs
What does United Way do?
United Way of the CSRA leads the way in identifying health and human service needs and securing the resources that allow individuals and families to achieve their potential through education, financial stability, and healthy lives.
Uniting, focusing, and mobilizing the strengths of the CSRA’s finest nonprofit agencies, government agencies, companies, faith-based groups, and caring individuals is what United Way does best.
WE invest resources. WE build partnerships. WE get real, measurable results.
How is United Way structured?
Each of the 1,100 United Ways in the nation is independent and autonomous, with a local governing board and supported by local volunteers. In the CSRA, we have 15 staff members working across our footprint (11 counties in Georgia and 2 communities in South Carolina). Our Board members and volunteers, from all walks of life, assist with fundraising, community investments, financial management, community events, and much more- all year round.
I already support my favorite charity. Why should I give to United Way, too?
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households could be your relatives, your coworkers, or even your friends. You may be ALICE yourself. ALICE households are hardworking and earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than what it costs to make ends meet. These struggling households are forced to make impossible choices each day. Such hardship is pervasive, and families are unable to acquire the basics for living.
48 percent of Georgia households are unable to afford basics, forcing them to make impossible choices and risky trade-offs every day. Think about how the six essential elements of a household budget — housing, food, child care, healthcare, transportation, and technology, as well as taxes- affect financial decision-making for ALICE families.
In the CSRA, 51 percent of residents fall below the ALICE threshold, indicating that our community is struggling at a higher rate than the average community in Georgia.
I’ve recently heard United Way talk about ALICE – Who is ALICE?
The needs of our community are much larger than what any one organization can address on its own. United Way funds programs that offer a comprehensive mix of services to meet the various needs of our community. Our supporters appreciate the option of making one donation and having it impact many diverse programs in the community, multiplying its impact. We also pride ourselves on monitoring our funded programs so that they adhere to sound fiscal policies, provide effective services, and have impactful outcomes. When you donate to United Way, you can be assured that your gift has the highest return on investment.
I already support my favorite charity. Why should I give to United Way, too?
The needs of our community are much larger than what any one organization can address on its own. United Way funds programs that offer a comprehensive mix of services to meet the various needs of our community. Our supporters appreciate the option of making one donation and having it impact many diverse programs in the community, multiplying its impact. We also pride ourselves on monitoring our funded programs so that they adhere to sound fiscal policies, provide effective services, and have impactful outcomes. When you donate to United Way, you can be assured that your gift has the highest return on investment.
How does United Way determine which programs receive funding?
Agencies, whether new or existing, must submit an annual application explaining why the funding is necessary, what it will be used for, and how their program is filling a gap in our community. A Citizens Review Panel (comprised completely of volunteers) is then trained in our review process, requirements, and introduced to the program applications. The Panel reviews the applications, reviews their financials, completes a site visit, and provides a score to the program before making recommendations to the Community Impact Committee regarding a program grant. Those recommendations are then reviewed and brought forth to the full Board of Directors for discussion and approval. Each program that receives funding from United Way of the CSRA is reviewed annually to ensure we receive measurable and impactful outcomes in our community.
Can I designate my gift to a specific non-profit organization?
For those who want to earmark or designate their gift to a specific non-profit, United Way honors designations to 501(c)(3) health and human services organizations, but does not encourage them. We believe that our Citizen Review Panel and Community Impact Committee volunteers do an effective job in granting funds to our partner agencies from annual campaign dollars raised. However, if you choose to designate your contribution, United Way will honor your wishes. An administrative fee is charged to process designations.
Does United Way have a formal financial audit procedure?
An annual audit of United Way’s financial statements is conducted by an independent, certified public accountant and accounting firm whose examination complies with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Our volunteer Finance committee monitors all aspects of the organization’s finances and audit relationships to ensure United Way adheres to the highest standards of financial accountability throughout the year. United Way is in compliance with all state and federal laws.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes, by following IRS Guidelines. Please consult your tax advisor for information on your specific situation. If I stop working or leave the company where I made my donation, what happens to my pledge? Should you stop working, your payroll deduction pledge stops, as well. Your pledge is made in good faith based upon your employment. When you start a new job, ask to sign up for payroll deduction again, or make a recurring donation online using your debit/credit card by going to www.uwcsra.org/donate to ensure your contribution can continue to impact our
local neighbors in need.
Does United Way support Planned Parenthood?
United Way of the CSRA funds a number of health programs that are focused on the delivery of quality medical care, preventive services, and health education to reduce health disparities in our community. We are the community’s safety net. This role includes providing funding to nonprofit organization programs working to help those who do not have access to affordable, quality health care.
United Way of the CSRA does not provide any funding to Planned Parenthood or any abortion program. In our 80+ year history, we have never provided United Way funding to any abortion program.