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FAQ
What is United Way? The United Way is a local, independent nonprofit organization. It is the largest private-sector funder of health and human services in our community. Priorities for the organizations are to: • Assess and target local service needs • Raise funds • Invest (allocate) funds • Collaborate and form community partnerships • Evaluate programs and services • 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. Volunteers carefully invest your gift 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, and nonprofits, 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 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 volunteers. Programs that address critical issues in the community and that 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 we will have the greatest impact, as well as, to ensure that we are allocating funds at the appropriate level to each partner program. This comprehensive and exhaustive process led by community volunteers takes place on an annual basis on behalf of the donors. In turn, United Way annually conducts workplace campaigns on behalf of all of the agencies we support to meet their funding needs. Therefore, we do not offer a space on our pledge cards to write in designations nor do we promote designations to partner programs in any other manner. Partner agency designations will be included as part of their annual allocation that is approved by the Board. 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 89% goes directly to help people in need in our community. With current operating costs at 11%, contributors to the Greater Mankato Area United Way can take pride in the fact that our total administrative costs continue to be much lower than the national non-profit average. Who runs United Way?
Who is helped by my United Way contribution? Money raised locally stays in our community, supporting 58 programs provided by 36 partners that provide services to more than 17,500 people in the greater Mankato area. United Way is able to do the work that no other single agency can. Anyone’s life can change in a heartbeat, and your investment in our community helps to 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? Giving a small amount each pay period through payroll deduction, most working people can afford to contribute. Even a small contribution will help someone who might not otherwise receive help. 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 if you itemize deductions. 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 IRS's new tax implications. Is Greater Mankato Area United Way National Headquarters in Alexandria, VA? Greater Mankato Area United Way “headquarters” is right here in Mankato, MN. The Greater Mankato Area United Way pays a fee to United Way of America, 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 far outweigh the cost of the services provided. The Greater Mankato Area United Way has its own local Board of Directors which govern its policies and procedures, and funding decisions are all made by local volunteers. |
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