Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Way?
United Way is a local, independent nonprofit organization. It is the largest private-sector funder of health and human services in the greater Mankato area. Priorities for the organizations are to:

• Assess and target local service needs
• Raise funds;
• Allocate funds;
• Collaborate and form community partnerships;
• Evaluate programs and services; and
• Deliver needed resources to the community.

Why should I give to Greater Mankato Area United Way?
United Way is the most effective way to direct your charitable donations to caring and well-run community programs. Your gift is carefully invested in programs that have proven records of providing life-transforming services in a cost-effective manner.

What does United Way do besides raise and allocate funds?
United Way focuses on improving our community’s quality of life. Its strength comes from working together with local businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, making a greater difference than any one organization can when working alone.

Community Problem Solving:  United Way serves as a focal point for a system of services to meet human-care needs. United Way volunteers work as catalysts to pull key parties together from other human-care organizations, foundations and the government to spearhead efforts to address critical problems ranging from pre-natal care to care for the elderly.

New Programs: United Way maintains an open-door policy with regard to application for funding. Each year, health and human service agencies are welcome to submit requests, which are considered by the Director of Community Impact and the committees. Programs that address critical issues in the community and are not already being met through existing funded programs are given top priority when funds are available.

Can I designate my donation?
The Community Impact Division’s purpose is to invest resources where funding will have the greatest impact and to ensure that funds are allocated at the appropriate level to each partner program. This comprehensive annual process is led by volunteer committees on behalf of the donors. In turn, United Way annually conducts workplace campaigns on behalf of the partner agencies to meet their funding needs. Therefore, United Way does not offer a space on our pledge cards to write in designations nor do we promote designations. Partner agency designations will be included as part of their annual allocation that is approved by the Board of Directors.

When a donor chooses to designate to another United Way we pay those funds directly to the  designated United Way after deducting an administrative fee and, when applicable, pledge-loss fee.

How much of my contribution actually goes to people who need help?
Because of United Way’s volunteer involvement, more than 90 percent of contributions go directly to help people in need in this community. With operating costs at less than 10 percent, contributors to GMAUW can rest assured that our total administrative costs continue to be much lower than the national non-profit average.

Who runs United Way?

Volunteers provide oversight to all aspects of United Way operations, comprising of human resources, finance, strategic planning, fund raising and fund distribution. There are 23 volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. Hundreds of volunteers serve on a United Way committee, council or board and raise and distribute funds.

Greater Mankato Area United Way’s staff members provide support to volunteers in carrying out policies and helping manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Who is helped by my United Way contribution?
When you give to Greater Mankato Area United Way, your money stays local and helps people in your neighborhood.  United Way funding helps support 57 programs provided by 35 partners that provide services to approximately 1 in 3 people in the greater Mankato area. Greater Mankato Area United Way's service area is an approximate 30-mile radius around Mankato / North Mankato and includes towns such as Cleveland, Madison Lake, Mapleton, Amboy, Lake Crystal, and more. 

Anyone’s life can change in a heartbeat, and your investment helps provide a positive impact on the lives of those in our community — your co-workers, your friends, your neighbors and your family.

I would like to give, but how can I afford to?
By giving a small amount each pay period through payroll deduction, most working people can afford to contribute. Even a small contribution will help someone. For example, by donating just $1 each week, you will enable one child to receive a scholarship to participate in a youth development program.

Why should I give if my spouse/partner already gives?
Success of our community’s plan to help people and change conditions depends on the generous support of each person. We each have a community responsibility, and United Way makes it possible for each of us to be powerful investors in community change. Consider combining your gift with your spouse to become a Heart Club member. Any combined gift of $500 or more will be recognized individually at each spouse’s company.

Is my contribution tax deductible?
Your gift is tax deductible. Gifts of cash, check or credit card over $250 will automatically receive a receipt from the United Way. For any cash, check or credit card gift under $250, a donor can request a receipt by marking the checkbox on the pledge card.  Click Here for more information about the new Internal Revenue Service tax implications.

Is Greater Mankato Area United Way National Headquarters in Alexandria, Va.?
Greater Mankato Area United Way “headquarters” is in Mankato, Minn. GMAUW pays a fee to United Way Worldwide, which is located in Alexandria, Va., in exchange for services provided to our area including federal emergency food and shelter funding, research data, logo rights and national advertising. The benefits to our community outweigh the cost of the services provided. GMAUW has its own Board of Directors which governs its policies and procedures, and funding decisions are made by local volunteers.