As we ramp up for our 2015 campaign, I want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about United Way.

What does United Way do?

United Way brings people and organizations together to do more together than any of us can do on our own. Employers, nonprofits, government, faith organizations, educators, labor, health providers, community leaders, youth and many others partner with us to tackle some of Sheboygan County’s toughest issues.  It’s not simple, or easy, but we’re making progress and seeing results. 

Why should I give to United Way?

United Way focuses on the most pressing issues in Sheboygan County. United Way tackles the source, not just the symptoms, of our community’s core challenges. We’re after solutions that create real change.  That’s how we go beyond short-term charity to long-lasting solutions that lift up the whole community.

Where does the money go?

A team of volunteers meets regularly to keep the pulse on the greatest needs of Sheboygan County. Every year, this team reviews nonprofit agency program applications and makes recommendations to the United Way board of directors for funding amounts. United Way funding supports programs that fall into categories of education, income and health, the building blocks for a good quality life and a strong community. A quality education is essential to getting a good 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.

Does United Way of Sheboygan County give money to Planned Parenthood?

No. United Way of Sheboygan County does not provide financial support to Planned Parenthood. 

There are more than 1,200 United Ways across the country, each separately incorporated 501c3 organizations with its own board of directors and local volunteers. All funding decisions by local United Ways are made by individual United Ways based on an assessment of local need. The very few across the country that do give some form of financial support to Planned Parenthood, designate the funds in support of community health maintenance/prevention programs and counseling services.  None support abortion.

To be clear though, when a donor designates his or her donation to Planned Parenthood through a United Way campaign, the money will pass through that specific United Way to Planned Parenthood, which makes it appear as though United Way is giving to Planned Parenthood when in fact, it was the individual donor directing her donation there.  This has not happened here in Sheboygan County but it has in many locations.

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 work with our staff to hold an employee campaign, you or one of your employees can volunteer on a United Way committee or you can work with the Volunteer Center to organize an employee volunteer outing.  Call our office for more information on getting involved.

Can you help me find a volunteer opportunity?

We can assist you in finding the right volunteer opportunity! Start your search at www.uwofsc.org/volunteer!

What are United Way’s overhead and administrative costs?

Approximately 85% of United Way of Sheboygan County’s raised funds go directly to program services, making the overhead and administrative cost about 15%.  That puts us among the top-performing agencies in this country.  And 99% of the money donated stays right here in Sheboygan County.

I feel pressured to give to United Way through my workplace campaign.

We don’t want campaigns using undue pressure in any way, shape or form.  We emphasize the use of information and education, not pressure tactics.

Can United Way give me financial assistance?

United Way does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals, but we work with many community partners that do provide direct services. If you are in need of assistance, you may call our office at (920) 458-3425 and we will try to connect you with the appropriate agency.

If we’ve missed any of your questions, please call our office at (920) 458-3425 or email info@uwofsc.org.  We want to answer your questions and earn your support.