Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why United Way?

United Way is committed to making positive, long-term change happen – sustainable change that targets the root of issues so we can all share in our community’s success. Funds given through United Way are invested right here in our community where you live, work, learn and play. We work with and through local social service programs and initiatives across the 5 Regional Priorities with the goal of ensuring a strong social support network. That means every effort brings as much impact as possible to the community. [top]

I give to my favourite charity - why should I give to United Way?

Faith, education, health-care, sports and culture play very important roles in our community. Many donors include United Way in their giving to ensure that basic and secondary needs- including food, shelter and counselling support - are available to all citizens. United Way is also investing in the future of the community through prevention programs. By giving to United Way your dollars support a strong social support network in our community and long-term, sustainable change. It takes more than one organization to make that change. [top]

I've never used a program or service supported by United Way, so why should I give?

United Way relies on your support to ensure that community services are in place should you, a loved one, a neighbour or a co-worker ever need them. If you review the list of supported programs and initiatives, you may find that you are connected to one of them. [top]

Will my donation stay in my community?

Yes. Unless you designate your gift to another United Way, your donation will remain within your local United Way and fund your community’s programs and initiatives. [top]

How Does United Way raise funds?

Our fall workplace campaign continues to be our single largest - and most publicly recognized - method of fundraising, but it is not the only method. We also engage donors year-round through other fundraising practices such as direct mail campaigns, special events, and sponsorships. We’re working aggressively to diversify our sources of revenue even further so we can expand our impact on community issues. [top]

Why did United Way switch to a three year, $21 million fundraising campaign?

The decision to look beyond a one year approach and promote a three year revenue goal was based on the reality of our community’s growing need for social services and the increased demand placed on our already strained social system. Times are changing, and we’re thinking strategically and proactively about addressing our community’s needs – both now and in the future. Working and planning on a longer term basis makes good business sense, for United Way and for the programs and initiatives we support. [top]

How much of my contribution goes to pay administration costs?

Because of extraordinary volunteer commitment and numerous gifts-in-kind, United Way has a 17% year-round administration and fundraising cost. View our audited financial statements.

We work very hard to keep these costs as low as possible through opportunities such as:

Working extensively with volunteers, including our Board of Directors, Campaign Cabinet, Community Impact Council and Priority Impact Teams
Partnering with hundreds of workplaces
Securing sponsorships and gifts-in-kind
Getting events and communications materials sponsored wherever possible
Housing our office in space generously donated by the Marsland family [top]

Why should I give since I do not support “X”?

All programs and initiatives we fund meet high standards of service and operation. They depend on each other to form a strong network to support all community issues. All applications for funding are thoroughly reviewed by our Priority Impact Teams, made up of community volunteers just like you. Our rigorous and transparent review process ensures that all funds are invested where they will make the most impact in our community. Making positive changes in complex issues cannot be done by one agency alone. [top]

The Regional Priorities don't mention groups such as people with disabilities or seniors. Is United Way still supporting these groups?

The 5 Regional Priorities are intended to look at community conditions. In addressing root causes, all populations within the community benefit and are supported. [top]

Do United Way funded programs and initiatives have other sources of income?

Yes. Supported programs and initiatives are encouraged to utilize a variety of funding sources, which may include foundation and government grants, membership enrolment programs, fees for service and special fundraising events (in accordance with United Way’s funding agreement). [top]

How carefully are the expenditures of supported programs and initiatives reviewed?

Each year, volunteers from various backgrounds in the community work together on our Priority Impact Teams. After significant training - and using stringent guidelines - these teams review the funding applications of each program and initiative, while a team of financial professionals reviews the financials of each program and initiative. Funding recommendations are then made for the Community Impact Council to approve. [top]