Frequently Asked Questions

Can you give a brief description of United Way of Delaware County

United Way of Delaware County (UWDC) is a local, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization that works to advance the common good by focusing on the things we all need for a good life: education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place.

We unite donors, companies, volunteers, partner agencies and other organizations to improve community conditions and achieve measurable results in areas our community has said matter most: Education, Income and Health.

Our community solutions investment model identifies partners and programs that promote collaboration, efficiency, innovation, results, have the capacity to achieve outcomes and report those results to us and the community.

By working together, united, we can inspire others and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.

How is United Way different from other nonprofit organizations?

United Way exists for one reason: to help us come together as a community to identify and address the issues that take everyone to solve. Those issues, like making sure children are ready to start school and helping families become self-sufficient, cross lines of race, gender, geography, faith and economic status and can only be addressed with collective focus and action. Everything United Way does is designed to create positive community solutions. Your contribution is combined with those made by others to impact our community in ways no single organization or individual can.

How does United Way determine community needs?

United Way of Delaware County volunteers utilized community and agency input, and examined local and state data to determine the needs of the community. Based on this research, United Way and community partners identified the following priority areas where program funding would be invested: Education, Income and Health. Additionally, United Way continues to research community conditions to determine where support should be directed in order to make the greatest impact with the limited resources available.

Who makes program funding decisions?

Deciding which programs receive United Way funding is placed in the capable hands of the community volunteers of our Community Solution Teams. There is a CST for each of the three focus areas: Education, Income and Health. They work together to carefully invest Community Solutions Fund dollars and other resources in programs that are achieving the greatest impact on the community issues. Donor contributions are invested in local programs to make our community stronger and safer and help people live better lives.

How much of the money raised by United Way is used for administrative purposes?

Only 12.3% of funds raised by our United Way are used for fundraising and administration United Way is this efficient because community support keeps costs to a minimum—including extensive volunteer leadership, executives "loaned" by companies, public service advertising donations and more.

Why should I give?

Inadequate health care, juvenile crime, neglect of the needy, emergency assistance in times of crisis—these concerns affect everyone in a community. There are no religious or economic boundaries. Because United Way funded services are community-wide, they reach beyond the care provided by a single group. A gift to United Way is a clear expression of concern for your neighbor.

I work in Delaware County, but I live in another county. Why should I give here?

United Way asks people to give where they work, but services can be used where they work or live. If you wish, you may designate your gift to United Way in the county where you live by indicating the organization on your pledge form.

My spouse and I both work. Why should we both give?

For many it is important to participate in your company's campaign. If you indicate on the pledge form who your spouse is, then we will combine your contributions so that your household is attributed the sum of your contributions. For example, if both you and your spouse give $500, you will be recognized for a $1,000 contribution and as Leadership Givers.

What if I feel pressured to give?

United Way has a non-coercion policy, so no one should be forced to give. United Way is made possible because so many people give voluntarily, and volunteerism is what United Way is all about.

Can I give to specific agencies?

Yes. Keep in mind that United Way volunteers have researched the community and identified issues that pose great challenges to Delaware County. A gift to United Way will be used to support programs and initiatives that use our collective strength to address community problems. If a United Way funded agency or other nonprofit 501(c)(3), however, is especially important to you, indicate the organization on your pledge form.

What Percentage of my designated pledge will the agency receive?

United Way of Delaware County charges a 10% administrative fee for all designations.

How do designations to specific agencies affect the overall funding to that agency?

Designated funds and the pool of undesignated funds available for allocation are accounted for separately. The designated dollars for agencies and other United Ways are deducted from the dollars available to allocate and are set aside for those agencies. The designated dollars are a separate stream of income from the allocation. For example, XYZ agency receives $5,000 in designations from donors and $50,000 in allocation from the United Way Community Solutions Fund—total dollars received by the agency will be $55,000 minus the administrative fee for the designations.

I give through payroll deduction, why do I need to keep a copy of my pledge this year?

Due to changes in IRS regulations, individuals giving through payroll deductions will be required to show a copy of their pledge form as well as documentation from their employer with their charitable deduction noted on it. This documentation is required for anyone who itemizes charitable contributions on their income tax return.

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, too. Your pledge through United Way is made in good faith based upon your employment. When you start a new job, ask to sign up for payroll deduction again or call United Way for further details.

Someone I know didn't receive help from an agency supported by United Way. Why?

It is difficult to answer the question without the details of the specific situation. First, get the facts: names, dates, and all pertinent information. Then, call the United Way office at 765-288-5586. Any concern will be explored fully, and a response will be provided to the inquirer.

Does the United Way support Planned Parenthood?

UWDC does not support any programs of Planned Parenthood through its Community Solutions Fund. Individual donors, however, may choose to designate their contribution to Planned Parenthood.

Does United Way of Delaware County have a formal financial audit procedure?

An audit of United Way's financial statements is conducted annually by an independent, unrelated certified public accountant whose examination complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAS), and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Volunteer finance and audit committees monitor all aspects of the organization's finances and audit relationships to ensure that United Way adheres to the highest standards of financial accountability. In addition to an annual audit, United Way is in compliance with all state and federal laws, and meets or exceeds United Way of America membership requirements and standards.

What is the relationship between the United Way of Delaware County & United Way of America?

Each one of the 1,400 United Ways in the country is autonomous and managed by local volunteers. United Way of America (UWA) is a national training and service center providing services to United Ways across the country. United Way of Delaware County (UWDC) pays membership dues to UWA in return for services which include the use of the United Way name and logo, market research, promotional items, national/NFL advertising, and training for staff. UWA does not govern UWDC. Led by a board of local volunteers, all funding and leadership decisions for UWDC are made right here.