FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is United Way the most effective way to give back to the community?
Answer: United Way plays a unique role in the community which cannot be duplicated by any other human service player. United Way insures financial integrity of each partner agency and tracks the progress of each program investment to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. With this knowledge and our relationships with key community leaders, corporations, donors, and volunteers, we can assemble all the key players to address pressing health and human service issues and coordinate community initiatives to create workable solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
What is the United Way of Coastal Georgia’s Overhead?
Answer: Our overhead is well below the national average: The Better Business Bureau and National Charities Information Bureau guidelines suggest fundraising costs should not exceed 35% and total fundraising and administrative costs should not exceed 50% of total income.
United Way is proud to operate below 18%. We keep our expenses low by committing to organizational efficiency; continuously looking at ways to reduce costs and eliminate waste; relying on volunteer support and in-kind contributions from partners.
In short, United Way minimizes costs to give donor dollars the greatest community impact.
What is included in United Way of Coastal Georgia’s overhead costs?
Answer: A percentage of operating costs goes to support staff who work diligently to run the day-to-day operations of the business side of UWCGA: answering phones, handling accounts receivable and payable, maintaining website(s), coordinating volunteer projects as well as researching the needs of the community, evaluating programs available to meet the needs and verifying that the agencies running the programs are accountable. Staff also assist agency partners on measurement tools so that we are able to report outcomes to our donors and the community and work with partners on ways to collaborate and consolidate to make programs most effective.
Who runs our United Way? What Makes United Way Different?
Answer: United Way is a volunteer-led, non-sectarian, non-political, non-denominational and autonomous charitable organization. Our role in supporting the community requires the collaboration and involvement of business, professional and community organizations.
What Is United Way? What does United Way do?
Answer: We identify, along with community partners, key issues in Glynn & McIntosh counties.
We invite all local non-profits to develop the most innovative projects and programs to address these issues.
We invest in the most results-oriented, accountable projects.
I heard United Way is changing? What does that mean?
Answer: Traditionally, United Way has been thought of as a fundraiser – most people think about the dollars raised and the agencies that receive funds. We have found that to achieve real results, we must work in collaboration with others to create initiatives that will address the most serious problems and change community conditions. United Way’s experience and the experience of others tells us that’s the best way to help the most people.
How is our United Way connected to United Way in other cities?
Answer: United Way of Coastal Georgia is independent and self-governing. The money you contribute stays in Glynn & McIntosh counties to help residents. We are not connected to other United Ways except through “best practices” sharing with United Way of America in Alexandria, Virginia. Our local Board of Directors manages the fundraising and distribution of money raised here and assumes responsibility for the integrity and stewardship of our operations.
How is United Way doing, given the state of our economy?
Answer: The people of our area are among the most generous in the nation. Each year, the community raises dollars to help those in need. In 2010, we raised $1.151 million. About 65 percent of those funds are raised through workplace campaigns. Employees pledge to give a little out of each paycheck. Another 32 percent is raised through corporate donations. The remaining 3 percent is given by individuals or through special gifts.
There are still many opportunities. While some industries are being affected by the downturn in the economy, there are others that are growing. What we are seeing is that there are many opportunities for companies and their employees to step up in a big way. If your company has never run a campaign before, we would welcome the opportunity to help you do that. Whether a company is large, small or somewhere in between, every campaign effort contributes to the greater good of our community.
Has the economy affected how much money United Way gives to agencies?
Answer: The downturn in the economy has certainly affected the needs of our partner agencies, with many of them reporting more client requests for help than ever before. UWCGA, by continuing to minimize its operating costs, fine-tune its funding process, and implement new fundraising strategies, has been able to provide, in most cases, level funding to its partner agencies for 2010 – 2011.
In these tough economic times, how can I help if I have fewer resources to give a financial gift?
Answer: People really want to help where they can, and United Way is pleased to offer several ways to do so. Not only do donors have the option to GIVE, they can also ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER to make a difference. One of the easiest ways to LIVE UNITED is to be an advocate for our work in the community. Whether you forward our newsletter to colleagues and friends or simply engage others in conversation about the impact our funded programs are making, you are making a difference. So many people who need help have never had to ask for it before and they don’t know where to turn.
Be ready to share information when you can. Our best resource is 2-1-1, our community services referral help line dedicated to helping anyone who might need a helping hand during the current economic situation.
Answer: There are several ways to contribute.
• Payroll Deduction (the easiest and most painless way!)
• Checks or Cash
• Credit/Debit Card Gifts
• Gifts of Stocks and Securities
• Direct Billing
• Pledge Online
• Volunteer
• No gift is too small, every contribution counts.
There are also opportunities for Corporate Giving, Grants/Sponsorships, and Planned Giving.
Please contact your United Way staff person or call Missy Neu at for details.
What is the easiest way to Give?
Answer: Workplace payroll deduction is by far the easiest and most painless way to give to United Way and invest in your community.
Why should I give in a tough economy?
Answer: A success story for anyone in Coastal Georgia is a success story for all of us. A tough economy or recession hits all of us – some directly and some indirectly. Many of us have cut back our expenses. These times for some are an inconvenience; for others it is a tragedy. We know that needs are increasing for so many individuals and families and that increase is stretching the limits of our local nonprofit community services network. It is critical that those of us who can support the community do so. Living united means helping our neighbors so we all enjoy a better quality of life. And what we keep hearing is that people want to help.
Answer: The success of a community depends on those who live in it. Our donors have their own personal reasons for wanting to invest in their extended families and neighborhoods. The United Way has the history, credibility and reputation of being the most effective way to create social change and maintain a healthy, caring region. Donors want accountability and a record of success, and the United Way responds to their needs to connect with and support trusted, local charities.
With one donation, United Way uses your gift to support over 23 local human care agencies, taking the guesswork out of giving. By having only 4 paid staff and an army of volunteers, United Way keeps administration costs to the bare minimum, which allows us to donate as much as we can to help those in need.
United Way adopts the concept of collective, coordinated fundraising, to eradicate the need for multiple appeals, door knocks and reduce the number of solicitations to businesses. When you join United Way, you can be involved in a ‘team approach’ while helping your own local community.
United Way recognizes that you have many options when deciding where to direct your charitable donations. However, if you are interested in making a positive lasting impact on the community where you live and work, then there is no better choice than United Way. Through knowledge of community needs and relationships with corporations and community leaders, and health and human service experts, United Way coordinates efforts and invests resources where they are needed most to create lasting change right here in Glynn and McIntosh counties. Your contribution, magnified by the gifts of others will help to build safer, better and healthier communities throughout the region.
Why not just donate directly to an agency?
Answer: There are many valuable non-profit organizations in the area you may care about. United Way provides an opportunity for your one gift to support a variety of local needs, such as preventing substance abuse among youth, literacy and job training, affordable housing for working families and individuals, and emergency food and shelter. Through one gift to United Way, you can accomplish so much good!
The United Way plays a vital leadership role in the community, identifying the core issues, working with different agencies to find the most effective ways of solving problems, investing funds accordingly, and reporting back on the positive changes that have been made.
You can also be assured that your gift to United Way goes directly to fund programs that help people most in need. United Way conducts periodic needs assessments to ensure donor dollars are addressing the most pressing community needs. We also monitor funded programs and initiatives annually to make sure they are efficiently and effectively improving people’s lives and making a positive impact. United Way volunteers ensure that contributions are doing the most good in the community.
United Way offers the convenience of payroll deduction through the support of local employers, allowing employees to give a substantial annual gift through smaller pay-period contributions.
Many people in our community contribute both to the United Way and to particular agencies. They contribute to the United Way to ensure there is a safety net of health and human services to assist people. Some donors chose to designate up to half of their gift to a specific agency by indicating so on their pledge card. Donor designation is provided as a service to our donors for their convenience; however it is not something we encourage. Our purpose is to support and strengthen the entire network of human services. United Way’s greatest strength is the ability to allow donors to address a broad range of human service needs in their own community with one single gift.
I never use agency services. Why should I give?
Answer: The strength of a community is directly influenced by the health and well being of its residents. Every day United Way-supported programs help people – including some who may be your friends and neighbors – improve their lives. Your financial and volunteer support ensures that help is available for someone who needs it now or in the future. While you or your family may not need services immediately, you or someone you care about may need assistance from United Way-supported programs later.
In a sense, United Way funded services help everyone. It is a popular misconception that only the homeless and truly “at risk” seek help from United Way partner agencies. While it is true many of the services provided by United Way funded programs are for those in need, working people have problems and needs too – hurricane relief, marital problems, child care needs, alcohol and drug abuse problems, troubled teens, and aging parents – and United Way services are available to all. When you consider the tremendous range of agencies funded by United Way that provide other necessary community services and programs, chances are you or a family member or someone you know will use a United Way member agency service or program at some point in time. Many popular agencies and programs receive United Way funding. The character-building programs of the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, the comfort of Hospice, the emergency services provided by the Salvation Army, Abuse Crisis Center, and American Red Cross are just a few that touch a broad range of our population. So you see, you, your family, your friends, and your neighbors may need and use United Way partner agencies or programs. Whatever the occasion, United Way funded programs meet the needs of thousands of people in our service area, assuring all of us a better place to live, work, and play.
Why Is United Way the Best Choice for My Gift?
Answer: United Way works every day to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life — a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. One pledge to United Way combines with those of thousands of other people to fund solutions to these issues that affect all of us. No other single contribution supports as many critical human service, health and community development programs that make a difference throughout our community.
How do you know the money you give to United Way is being used effectively?
Answer: Local volunteers are involved in every phase of United Way’s operations. For example, professionals from the field of finance guide the financial planning and accountability for this local United Way. They report regularly to the local board to provide updates on the financial status of United Way. In addition, United Way undergoes a complete, independent financial audit annually by a local accounting firm. The most recent financial audit is available on our Web site,www.LiveUnitedNow.com
Can I donate stock and other securities to United Way?
Answer: Yes, United Way welcomes this type of gift. Each year, individuals and families support critical community services and often derive tax benefits by making gifts of stocks and other securities. Please call the United Way at . We will be happy to answer your questions and will work with you when you are considering making a gift, or an additional gift, this way.
Do people ever include a gift to United Way when they make a will?
Answer: Yes, many donors wish to continue their support of United Way. One way to do so is to include United Way in your will. Please call United Way at for more information about a broad variety of planned-giving opportunities.
Are United Way donations tax-deductible and do I automatically get a receipt for my donation?
Answer: You will receive a receipt from UWCGA if you made any single payment of at least $250. However, if you made your gift through payroll deductions, a receipt is not necessary. (A payroll deduction gift goes through your employer, who then makes monthly or bi-monthly payments to United Way on behalf of all of its employees.) Should you need a receipt for itemized tax purposes, you can use a copy of your pledge card and your December 31 pay stub or your W-2 if your employer shows that information.
Donors who contribute $100 or more by check to United Way will receive an acknowledgment from United Way. A copy of the cancelled check and the acknowledgement together act as evidence of a donation for purpose of a tax return. Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for the United Way during their tax year.
Is personal information from donors protected?
Answer: Absolutely. Information provided by donors is used only to properly credit their contribution and communicate about UW and related program information. We respect the privacy of our donors and do not rent, trade, or sell this information.
Why should I give if my spouse/partner already gives?
Answer: United Way of Coastal Georgia believes that charitable giving is a personal and voluntary decision. We encourage each spouse/partner to participate in his/her employer’s United Way workplace campaign. The combined total of both gifts may qualify you for leadership giving recognition.
Answer: We all have our favorite charities and many people in our community contribute both to the United Way and to particular agencies because the problems of the community are much larger than any one agency can handle. They contribute to the United Way to support and strengthen the entire network of human services to ensure there is a broad mix of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our whole community. United Way’s greatest strength is the ability to allow donors to support 23 agencies which address a broad range of human service needs throughout our community with one single gift. Plus, the United Way campaign helps keep agency fundraising costs low.
Donor designation is provided as a service to our donors for their convenience; however it is not something we encourage. Some donors chose to designate up to half of their gift to a specific agency by indicating so on their pledge card.
Though you have the opportunity to designate to any of the 23 partner agencies of United Way of Coastal Georgia, please consider supporting all 32 needed programs in Glynn & McIntosh counties.
Who decides where my contribution goes?
Answer: The Community Investment Committee, made up of more than 30 United Way community volunteers from Glynn & McIntosh counties, serves as the eyes and ears of the more than 4,000 contributors to decide how to invest in our communities. These volunteers review each agency’s financial condition, management strength, board composition and program results to determine how to award contributor dollars to agencies to benefit the greatest number of people. General community needs and total available dollars also determine the amount each agency receives. Annually, United Way volunteers review each agency in four performance areas and then they strategically invest funding to achieve the best results. When you donate to United Way, you can be assured that your contribution will be used wisely and efficiently to help people. Our community investment process works to ensure that every program we fund is well managed and getting results.
Every attempt is made to represent the diversity of our area: race, gender, age, profession and area of residence.
Answer: Most employees have an opportunity to give through payroll deduction and enjoy being a part of their company’s corporate giving campaign. There is value in this participation regardless of where the gift is directed. Payroll deduction also allows for a donor to give a small portion over time that adds up over the year for big impact in the community.
How can I ADVOCATE for United Way?
Answer: There are many different ways to advocate:
- Tell your friends and colleagues how your investment of time and/or dollars is helping United Way’s make an impact in the community.
- Forward United Way e-mail communications to colleagues and friends.
- Share the success stories featured in our online newsletter.
- Share videos from our website or YouTube channel.
- Get involved with our public policy agenda.
- Ask for a LIVE UNITED t-shirt and wear it when you’re out and about.
- Tell others how you LIVE UNITED!
How can I VOLUNTEER for United Way?
Answer: There are several opportunities to volunteer with United Way.
One of the easiest ways to volunteer is through Days of Caring. Check our website for hands-on Days of Caring volunteer opportunities that support our agency partners and initiatives through various activities.
Volunteer in a leadership role – there are numerous committees and teams that support United Way with expertise and strategies.
Participate on a Volunteer Committee.
Volunteering is also a great way to give back to the community – by investing your time instead of money! Please visitwww.LiveUnitedNow.com for upcoming opportunities that benefit United Way partner agencies and initiatives.
The United Way Volunteer Center can help you choose an organization. Visit our Volunteer Center or call .
United Way will email volunteer opportunities throughout the year to all donors for whom we have an email address. We also post information about these opportunities to our website, www.LiveUnitedNow.com.
Thank you for helping someone who needs you.
How many people are helped by United Way and how many agencies does United Way fund?
Answer: The answer is 23. But there’s a different way to look at this question. Rather than fund agencies per se, United Way funds a network of programs and initiatives which are working together to help individuals, families, and neighborhoods thrive. During 2009-2010, we funded 27 programs within 22 agencies including schools, non-profit agency programs, and community partnerships.
Does the United Way of Coastal Georgia have a set group of agencies?
Answer: No. Any registered charity can submit a proposal to the United Way for funding and every funded agency must reapply annually. Priority is given to those projects which address the local needs identified by the Community Impact Committee.
Does United Way fund the same agencies every year?
Answer: United Way provides annual grants, not lifelong entitlements. Every agency must reapply each year for funding – there are no guarantees. UWCGA opened its community investment process to any agency that meets eligibility criteria for program funding. This allows UWCGA to fund the best available programs in the community as long as the agencies meet certification standards.
The amount of funding each year will be subject to money available in the General Fund.
Why aren’t all agencies affiliated with United Way?
Answer: Some agencies do not meet United Way standards, while others follow national policies requiring them to operate independently. Some do not receive United Way funding because their programs closely resemble or duplicate existing programs available to the population being served.
However, thousands of agencies not directly affiliated with United Way are eligible to receive financial support through United Way from contributors who designate their gifts. Therefore, United Way’s campaign is open to all qualifying nonprofits that provide health and human service programs.
How can I get help from a United Way agency?
Answer: United Way has a referral service that can connect you to resources that can help. Call United Way 2-1-1, or, if your phone does not have three-digit dialing, call . Your call will be confidential.
Answer: It may be as simple as they didn’t apply – not every agency makes application to UW. Some agencies may not want the level of review or restrictions in fundraising that are required by United Way. Others may feel they can raise enough funds on their own. Of the many worthwhile agencies that do apply, some do not meet United Way guidelines. Each agency must apply for admission and go through a formal review process by community volunteers.
How does an agency or organization become a United Way funding partner?
Answer: Partner agency programs: Prior to the beginning of each new funding cycle, United Way issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) to which agencies apply. In order to receive funding, programs go through an interview and review process by volunteers to show that they meet the requirements set forth in the RFP.
Non-partner agencies: Any registered not-for-profit agency that provides health and human services to the people of Glynn & McIntosh counties and meets identified critical community needs and priorities may apply for United Way funding. Agencies must submit detailed financial statements, a certified audit, as well as information on programs and services to be provided. Volunteers review all applicants and make decisions about funding. For more information about applying, contact United Way staff.
Does United Way give money to church-affiliated agencies?
Answer: United Way would only funds health and human service programs within church-affiliated agencies. It does not fund any religious activities of the organization. Agency programs are available to anyone regardless of race, creed or religion.
Why do some programs/services supported by United Way charge a fee?
Answer: The concept behind United Way is that health and human services should be available to anyone who needs them. Because people who need help are from various income levels, many programs supported by United Way charge on a sliding fee scale that allows clients to pay based on their ability. That fee helps to subsidize the services for those who cannot afford to pay. While no one is ever denied service because they cannot afford it, the agencies feel that paying even a small amount adds value to the service and encourages patients to be more committed.
What about government programs? Isn’t that what they’re supposed to do?
Answer: State and Federal funding cuts are seriously affecting our government-funded health and human service agency programs. Local governmental entities are reporting that crucial programs are being cut from those people who need it the most. With ongoing concerns about the local economic picture, United Way’s help is needed now more than ever. Your neighbors look to local agencies for assistance during these difficult times.
I know of someone who didn’t get help. Don’t United Way and its Partners Agencies help everyone?
Answer: No. Unfortunately, the need far outweighs the generosity of our donors.
However, no individual or family is turned away deliberately. Usually when people are unable to receive help from a non-profit organization, it is because limited funds necessitate long waiting lists or because the organization does not offer the specific services individuals or families are seeking.
Can people phone the United Way to get help?
Answer: United Way does not provide any services directly to individuals or families. We help manage, advise, and invest in the “front line” agencies who deliver programs to those in need.
Answer: It may be as simple as they didn’t apply – not every agency makes application to UW. Some agencies may not want the level of review or restrictions in fundraising that are required by United Way. Others may feel they can raise enough funds on their own. Of the many worthwhile agencies that do apply, some do not meet United Way guidelines. Each agency must apply for admission and go through a formal review process by community volunteers.
Partner agency programs: Prior to the beginning of each new funding cycle, United Way issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) to which agencies apply. In order to receive funding, programs go through an interview and review process by volunteers to show that they meet the requirements set forth in the RFP.
Non-partner agencies: Any registered not-for-profit agency that provides health and human services to the people of Glynn & McIntosh counties and meets identified critical community needs and priorities may apply for United Way funding. Agencies must submit detailed financial statements, a certified audit, as well as information on programs and services to be provided. Volunteers review all applicants and make decisions about funding. For more information about applying, contact United Way staff.
Why do some programs/services supported by United Way charge a fee?
Answer: The concept behind United Way is that health and human services should be available to anyone who needs them. Because people who need help are from various income levels, many programs supported by United Way charge on a sliding fee scale that allows clients to pay based on their ability. That fee helps to subsidize the services for those who cannot afford to pay. While no one is ever denied service because they cannot afford it, the agencies feel that paying even a small amount adds value to the service and encourages patients to be more committed.
What about government programs? Isn’t that what they’re supposed to do?
Answer: State and Federal funding cuts are seriously affecting our government-funded health and human service agency programs. Local governmental entities are reporting that crucial programs are being cut from those people who need it the most. With ongoing concerns about the local economic picture, United Way’s help is needed now more than ever. Your neighbors look to local agencies for assistance during these difficult times.
Does United Way give money to church-affiliated agencies?
Answer: United Way would only funds health and human service programs within church-affiliated agencies. It does not fund any religious activities of the organization. Agency programs are available to anyone regardless of race, creed or religion.
Answer: Each partner agency funded by United Way is in constant contact with our United Way organization, committing to transparency and accountability. Regular reporting of results is a condition of being funded. The United Way monitors both program and financial reports from our community partners.
How does United Way allocate donations and how do I know that my donation will be effective?
Answer: United Way focuses on critical needs that affect many of us, such as health care, child care and safety, violence prevention, and food, clothing, and shelter. United Way funds programs to meet those needs and then measures the results to make sure progress is being made.
With Outcomes, we ask agencies to report how clients’ lives have been improved as a result of programs that are supported by United Way’s General Fund.
United Way honors donors’ choices and will direct all or part of your gift to a specific agency at your request. However, United Way monitors only donations made to its General Fund.
I live in one county and work in another one – where does my money go?
Answer: Health and human services needs are not confined by political borders. This current recession has been a painful demonstration of how dependent we all are on one another, as we have seen that jobs lost in one county will drag down surrounding counties.
That is why we focus on distributing funds where they are needed most. At its core, United Way is about neighbors helping neighbors – not only at the street level aiding those we personally know, but also at the town, city, and county level.
How do I know that my donation will be effective?
Answer: United Way focuses on critical needs that affect many of us, such as health care, child care and safety, violence prevention, and food, clothing, and shelter. United Way funds programs to meet those needs and then measures the results to make sure progress is being made.
With Outcomes, we ask agencies to report how clients’ lives have been improved as a result of programs that are supported by United Way’s General Fund.
United Way honors donors’ choices and will direct all or part of your gift to a specific agency at your request. However, United Way monitors only donations made to its General Fund.
Why should I make my gift through United Way instead of giving directly to agencies of my choice?
Answer: The United Way system provides you with an easy, effective and efficient method for meeting your charitable goals. It offers something unique, a proven method to join with others to identify the human care issues that matter most, develop a plan and get results. United Way brings our community together to do the things that none of us can alone. Working together, United Way creates community solutions that help children and youth succeed, help build strong, safe families and help seniors remain independent and active.
Why not give directly to one or two other nonprofits and cut out United Way’s overhead?
Answer: No agency can operate in a vacuum – we partner with 23 different agencies because no single nonprofit has the skill-set to address all this community’s needs, any more than a brain surgeon can do the work of a heart surgeon. Without the support of other agencies working on parallel issues, even the best individual agency is far less effective at providing solutions that will have a lasting impact.
If there is a cause that you feel passionate about, by all means, give directly to that agency. But if you wish to have a broader impact and help uplift the area as a whole, you can do so by investing in United Way’s Community Fund.
By giving to United Way, your gift can efficiently assist the largest number of people possible. When a person or family is in crisis, they need services from multiple agencies and programs. Our focus is to make sure local assistance is provided from the largest number of resources possible.
If you feel that United Way is “overhead,” please speak with the executive director of one of these 23 agencies whom you trust. While they’ll gladly accept a direct contribution, they will also tell you that without United Way leading the charge, not only would their fundraising be less effective, but they would incur much greater overhead of their own.
They will also likely point out that partnering with United Way vastly increases their reach, and in some cases, provides them access to grants that they could not apply for without the stamp of approval that comes from being a United Way agency.
In short, without United Way, their ability to provide valuable services to our community would be compromised.
What if I don’t want my money to go to a certain agency?
Answer: Not every agency appeals to every donor, but all agencies have met the meticulous standards of our United Way and the programs we fund meet needs within our impact areas. If you like, you can designate to any one agency that fits your needs.
Everyone needs help in an emergency. Does United Way support any services of this kind?
Answer: Yes. Through its annual funding process, United Way financially supports many partner agency programs that provide numerous emergency services. These services include help with food, shelter, clothing, transportation, utilities, medical needs, victim support, crisis counseling and financial assistance. Individuals can also access a database of local programs through referrals given by United Way 2-1-1, a community resources help line. Additionally, United Way convenes the local board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) and administers the distribution of these federal funds to local nonprofit organizations to supplement emergency food and shelter programs. For a more complete description of agency services, please visit our website at www.LiveUnitedNow.com.
Answer: United Way 2-1-1 exists to help people navigate their way through the maze of health and human service agencies by providing the most adequate, up-to-date resources for the client’s situation.
2-1-1 impacts our communities and helps people get needed assistance by connecting them with important services. United Way 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialing 2-1-1 from a land line phone or by calling from a cell phone.
Dial United Way’s 2-1-1 community services helpline to speak with a trained information and referral specialist who can identify what local resources are best suited to help your unique needs. United Way 2-1-1 offers information on a broad range of services. This free and confidential service can help you connect you with:
- Shelter Assistance
- Food Banks
- Affordable Housing
- Healthcare & Health Resources
- Childcare
- After-School Programs
- Elderly Care
- Job Training Programs
- Employment Assistance
- Financial Literacy & Legal Help
- Counseling And Crisis Intervention
Our employees and their families are struggling. How can we ask them to give?
Answer: Time and again, some of the most generous donors are those who themselves have needed a helping hand from our community. Everyone should be given an opportunity to express caring through charitable giving, to enjoy the emotional reward that comes from knowing he or she has helped our community become safer and stronger. Only the donor can determine whether he or she can afford to give at this time. Thanks to payroll deduction, even a small amount each pay period can add up over the year, and give the employee a real feeling of connection to our community.
How can lower paid employees be expected to give?
Answer: Even a small amount each week can give an employee a sense of belonging to a larger community, of making a difference. United Way’s fundraising campaign is successful because lots of people unite and give what they can. When lots of people give even a little, the results are amazing.
I would like to help, but I just can’t afford it. What can I do?
Answer: Any amount helps provide results. While rising costs have made it difficult for most people in our community, our economic challenges pose an even greater difficulty for those who need help from United Way. A payroll deduction is the easiest and simplest way to make a generous contribution in manageable portions. Together we create real results. You can also volunteer your time. Call us for ways you can help!
How can I continue to give to United Way after I retire?
Answer: Many contributors continue to support United Way after they retire, and we hope you will too. The United Way maintains partnerships with donors through the a broad array of giving options including Philanthropic Funds, gifts of appreciated stock, special gifts and a variety of planned giving opportunities. Your generosity of time, resources, and skills is appreciated. United Way wants to continue partnering with you in making a significant difference in the lives that need it most. Through your continued leadership, United Way makes it happen. Please call United Way at for more information.
What happens if I change jobs while giving through payroll deduction?
Answer: Your payroll deduction stops when you cease employment with the company through which you made your UW pledge. When you begin your new job, ask for a new United Way pledge form. Many employers provide pledge forms and information about United Way to new employees and transferees. If your new employer does not have a United Way payroll deduction plan, please call United Way at to arrange to continue your pledge payment.
If I become unemployed sometime after making my pledge, am I obligated to pay my entire pledge?
Answer: No, you are not obligated to pay the balance of your pledge if you become unemployed.
Why should I give if my spouse/partner already gives?
Answer: United Way of Coastal Georgia believes that charitable giving is a personal and voluntary decision. We encourage each spouse/partner to participate in his/her employer’s United Way workplace campaign. The combined total of both gifts may qualify you for leadership giving recognition.
What if I feel pressured to give?
Answer: Contributions to United Way are voluntary and your personal decision. We do not support any form of pressure on donors to give or requirements regarding how much to give.
The issue:
In a few instances, people express unhappiness about being “pressured to give” to the United Way fund-raising campaign. Generally, the complaint centers on a sense of coercion felt at the workplace. In other words, employees feel they must give to United Way to keep their employers happy, get a promotion or even, in very extreme cases, to keep their jobs.
United Way’s response:
United Way of Coastal Georgia is adamantly opposed to coercion in any form, and does not endorse any pressuring practices in the workplace. United Way provides employers with a comprehensive communications package so donors can make voluntary giving decisions.
If you feel pressured to give:
United Way of Coastal Georgia appreciates – and encourages – a donor’s participation in its efforts to continuously improve workplace campaigns. If you feel pressured to give, please contact Missy Neu, President and CEO, at .