Frequently asked questions about United Way
What does United Way do?
United Way funding supports programs that fall into categories of education, financial stability and health, the building blocks for quality life and a strong community. Quality education is essential to obtaining a job with health benefits. An income that can cover today’s needs and save for tomorrow solidifies a family’s foundation. Good health allows children to succeed at school and adults to succeed at work. United Way’s mission is to ensure future stability for individuals and our community by identifying the issues and uniting community resources for lasting solutions.
Why should I give to United Way?
United Way focuses on the source, not just the symptoms, of the challenges in our community. Through open and consistent dialogue, United Way is committed to breaking barriers, eliminating stigma and ensuring people have access to quality programs and services. By signing up to volunteer through the Volunteer Center and/or giving a monetary gift to United Way, you are investing in the success of Sheboygan County’s future.
Where does my monetary donation go?
Nonprofit agencies apply to receive funding from United Way for a specific program or service they provide. The Community Action Team (CAT) is a group of community volunteers that assist in this application process. They meet regularly to discuss the greatest needs in Sheboygan County and annually review all of the program applications. Collectively they make a recommendation to the United Way board of directors to award funds and identify United Way’s Partner Agencies for the year. This process is transparent and ensures nonprofit agencies are accountable for the funds granted to their programs/services.
Once money is awarded, the nonprofit organization becomes a Partner Agency of United Way and is held to the high-standard of programming and project management they presented to the CAT members. Each Partner Agency must re-apply every year to receive funds for those programs and services.
Where can I find a list of the Partner Agencies?
Visit http://www.uwofsc.org/programs/ for a list of all the programs United Way helps to fund. Programs are categorized by education, income and health. Click on any of those categories to learn more about the resources in our community.
Can you help me find a volunteer opportunity?
There are so many benefits to volunteering in your community. Your commitment to assisting nonprofit organizations in the area makes a huge impact on the community. Through the Volunteer Center, United Way can assist you in finding the right volunteer opportunity! Start your search at www.uwofsc.org/volunteer
How can my business support United Way?
Sheboygan County’s local businesses and other organizations provide a strong foundation of support for United Way. Your business can make a corporate donation directly to United Way of Sheboygan County, you can hold an employee campaign, you or one of your employees can volunteer on a United Way committee and/or you can work with the Volunteer Center to organize an employee volunteer outing. Call 920-458-3425 or email info@uwofsc.org for more information on getting involved.
What are United Way’s overhead and administrative costs?
The staff at United Way is dedicated to keeping expenses low while raising funds for the maximum community impact. United Way holds the same high-standards of operations and project managing as they expect from their partner agencies.
Approximately 85% of raised funds go directly to program services, concluding operating expenses to be about 15%. This is competitive with the top 100 nonprofits in the U.S. and is well below the industry standards and recommendations from the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Navigator.
I feel pressured to give to United Way through my workplace campaign.
We don’t want campaigns using pressure in any way, shape or form. We emphasize the use of information and education, not pressure tactics.
Where can I refer someone who needs help?
211 is a toll-free helpline that connects people with important community services such as counseling, food, shelter, employment assistance, child care, flu-shot information, volunteer opportunities and more. Available in more than 150 languages, 211 is an integral component of disaster-response infrastructure, directing callers to food, shelter and evacuation routes.
211 Services are available 24/7.
If we’ve missed any of your questions or you would like to request a community presentation for your group, please call our office at (920) 458-3425 or email info@uwofsc.org. We want to answer your questions and earn your support.