FAQ
Can I specify which United Way agency receives my pledge?
We recommend you consider giving to the community fund because families in need require comprehensive services with many agencies helping but you are welcome to designate your gift to the agency of your choice on your pledge card/. They will be notified of your support unless you specifically request that they not be notified.
Does United Way fund agencies that provide abortion services?
No. United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill does not fund any abortion program or service. Volunteers at each local United Way decide which programs and agencies are to be funded.
Does United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill send money to United Way of America to fund national agencies?
No. United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill is a member of this national organizations and through that membership does purchase materials and services from United Way of America. United Way of America does not allocate dollars to agencies or human service programs. Our members ship fee is less than one percent.
Does United Way spend money on advertising and meals?
Yes it is the cost of doing business. In order to keep administrative costs as low as possible, attendees and companies are asked to pay for their own meals at United Way events. Companies who are very committed to United Way and its mission often sponsor advertising.
Don’t the agencies get governmental funding?
Many agencies do receive governmental support. In fact, United Way funding often allows agencies to leverage available government funds in order to maximize their resources. Subsequently, shrinking government dollars means the United Way funds are more important than ever.
Each United Way Agent Must:
- Be recognized by the IRS as a 501.(c).3 organization.
- Be governed by a volunteer board
- Provide programs that address an identified human service need.
- Must be non-discriminatory with their services and their staff.
- Annually present their budget, program and projected results to a panel of community volunteers.
- Operate at a reasonable cost.
How are United Way agencies accountable to United Way donors?
Every United Way agency must meet high standards of quality and efficiency. Experienced community volunteers oversee the dollar allocations to all programs. They review budgets, conduct on-site visits to the agencies and monitor programs to assure high quality. The United Way stewardship process recruits accounting professionals to review each agency’s audit report and use of funds.
How can I get other questions answered?
Call the United Way at 355-0218 to receive answers any questions you or your coworkers may have.
How does United Way Work?
Through financial contributions and volunteer time, United Way brings the people of the community together to build a stronger and healthier community.
How is United Way accountable?
United Way’s own operating budget and distribution of funds to agencies are audited by an independent accounting firm and are carefully scrutinized by a panel of local community volunteers and United Way’s Board of Directors.
How much goes to overhead costs?
According to the Better Business Bureau, charity overhead of less than 40% is considered acceptable. United Way of Lawton — Fort Sill’s overhead is 15%, which means approximately 85 cents of every dollar helps people in need.
I never use agency services, so why should I give?
You never know when you, a member of your family or a neighbor may need a United Way service. Job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, disabilities, family problems, mental disorders and the problems associated with growing up and growing old, know no boundaries. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available when they are needed. Anyone who has been involved in Scouting, been protected by a trained lifeguard or experienced a natural disaster has been served by a United Way agency. And if it happens that you do not find the service you need from a United Way agency, you can contact HELPLINE, United Way’s free information and referral service to direct you to an agency that can help.
Is giving to United Way voluntary?
Yes! Giving to United Way is strictly voluntary. United Way has a written policy against coercion. Education about how United Way programs help is the best way to encourage contributions.
There are a few agencies I’ve never heard of: Why should I give to them?
United Way volunteers carefully screen and decide which programs to fund based on research of needs in the community and quality of services provided. It is often smaller, less recognized agencies with smaller budgets that are in greatest need of support.
What does United Way do?
United Way is a locally incorporated, nonprofit organization that is the single largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in our community. United Way campaign dollars support 20 health and human service agencies addressing community problems. This one community-wide campaign is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in our community.
What if my spouse already gives to United Way?
Each and every contribution is important and makes a difference. Each person’s gift can help United Way meet the community’s many needs. Many families combine their gift to reach a leadership level of $500 or more.
What is Leadership Giving?
It was formed by volunteers to recognize and promote the generosity of annual individual gifts of $500 or more. If you and your spouse combine your gift to equal $500 or more, you’ll be recognized as a Leadership Giving Donor
What is the suggested guide for giving?
How much to contribute is a very personal choice. The Giving Guideline is meant to serve only as a guide for those who ask. For hourly employees that would be one hour’s pay per month; for salaried, below $20,000 – 6/10 of 1% of annual salary; for salaried over $20,000 – 1% of annual salary. Payroll deduction allows you to give as generously as you’d like with just a few dollars a pay period.
Where does my money go?
Your gift supports 20 organizations in the Lawton-Fort Sill area that address human service needs such as youth programs, senior citizens, children, handicapped, disaster services, daycare and much more. United Way’s low overhead costs mean more of your dollars go to the people you want to help.
Who benefits from my donation?
One out of three of your neighbors, co-workers or even your family will use United Way services this year. Emergency food, shelter and other programs for the needy are only the beginning. If your children are involved in Scouting, or take swimming lessons at the YMCA, or if a loved one needed Hospice, you’ve benefited from United Way.
Who decides how donations are spent?
Volunteers (like you) decide how much money is allocated to each agency. Fund Distribution volunteers visit agencies and review their programs and budgets annually to assure that every dollar is well spent. You may designate your gift; however, most donors rely on United Way’s volunteer review process called Funds Distribution to make the best use of their money. Because we balance this finding decision with the needs of the community this process insures comprehensive care is available for an individual or family who need help.
Who is eligible for services?
Everyone is eligible regardless of race, age, sex or income level. All agencies have criteria for serving clients that ensures that United Way finds serve the neediest in our community. Some agencies charge fees on a sliding scale based on a recipient’s income.
Who is responsible for the activities of United Way?
Volunteers! The volunteer members of the Board of Directors, in addition to being accountable to the community, are legally responsible to see that the affairs of United Way are properly managed. United Way finds are audited yearly by an independent auditing firm and audits are open to the public. Volunteers also serve in Funds Distribution, campaign and on leadership committees for our direct initiatives.
Who manages United Way?
United Way is locally incorporated, autonomous organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Policies, activities, procedures and the programs we support are determined right here at home. The community volunteers who lead United Way come from all walks of life and from the area surrounding Lawton in which United Way provides services. A small, but knowledgeable, professional staff who works closely with volunteers at all levels handles United Way’s daily operations.
Why do agencies still have fund-raisers when they are funded by United Way?
As the needs of the community continue to increase, so do the financial needs of our service providers. United Way funds are only sufficient to meet a portion of each agency’s required budget. United Way volunteers encourage fund-raising activities as long as these activities do not occur during United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill’s fall campaign.
Why do United Way agencies charge fees?
Agencies have a wide range of services and United Way funds provide only a portion of the money needed. Many agencies provide sliding scale fees so they can help more people.
Why does the United Way only give dollars to a few agencies?
Firsrt an agency must qualify then apply. United Way funds specific programs provided by agencies and not all agency programs need United Way money or address identified targeted needs.
Why don’t all agencies belong?
What agencies receive funding is a local decision governed by local morals and values. Some agencies choose not to be a part of United Way because of our stringent admissions criteria. Some are not part of United Way because their objectives are national in scope and cannot be altered by local decisions. To obtain partner agency status, an agency must comply with United Way’s high standards of service and accountability.
Why not give directly to the agencies?
United Way’s community based stewardship assures that the charities you support through United Way adhere to sound fiscal policies and provide effective services. Giving through United Way enables you to support a broad range of human service programs with one contribution through the convenience of payroll deduction.
