FAQ

Just what does United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties do?

United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties is a locally incorporated, non-profit organization that is the largest non-governmental source of funds for health and human services in our community. This single community-wide campaign is the most organized, efficient, and accountable system for investing in our community.

• Community Investment: United Way contributions support local programs addressing community problems such as Kindergarten readiness, access to health care, child care scholarships, bridging out of poverty, aging in place and responding to child abuse.
• Community Impact: Impact programs are strategic initiatives by United Way including Tools for Schools, Volunteer United, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Harvey County Child Care Task Force, and the Healthy Harvey Coalition. 
• Special Projects: Each year, the board makes mini-grants to area non-profit and school organizations. Projects range from a water line to the Giving Garden to suicide prevention training to sound equipment at a youth center.
• Emergency Response: Life can change in an instant. Whether the event is a tornado, flood, wildfire, or active shooter, we are there to help each community respond and rebuild.
• Referral Assistance: Most people who call have never had to look for resources before. We listen with compassion, educate about area resources, and encourage calls to the 2-1-1 line for additional support.

Where does my money go?

Your gift doesn’t stop with us. It funds programs and events serving Harvey and Marion County residents. 

Who manages United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties?

United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties is locally incorporated, independent organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Every board member lives and/or works in Harvey or Marion County, coming from all walks of life. What unites them is a passion for making long-term change in the community. They set the policies, procedures, activities, and funding decisions.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes! United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties is designated as a 501(c)3 organization by the IRS.

How is United Way accountable?

United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties' operating budget is audited by an independent accounting firm and is carefully scrutinized by a team of local community volunteers. Volunteers help raise and distribute the money. United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties meets all the membership requirements of United Way Worldwide, meaning our independent organization achieves the same industry standards as other (often much-larger) United Way organizations.

There are a few agencies I’ve never heard of?

Your donations are directed to real needs. United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties' volunteers carefully screen and decide which programs to fund based on research of needs in the community, and they monitor their services to ensure your dollars were invested wisely.

How are United Way agencies accountable to United Way donors?

Every United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties funded partner must meet high standards of quality and efficiency. Experienced community volunteers oversee the dollar allocations to all agencies.

Why not just give a donation directly to a local charity?

• It benefits You –
  • We do the work for you. Have you ever wondered if your donation was used wisely? Our community-based oversight committee assures that the charities you support through United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties operate efficiently and effectively.
  • Your one contribution to United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties is matched with hundreds of others from the community. Putting those dollars together creates a much larger impact in the form of grants and programs.
• It benefits the non-profit organization:
  • Contributing through United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties provides guaranteed funding for local non-profit organizations. It’s funding they can rely on and plan for, rather than depending on sporadic contributions.
  • Giving through the United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties reduces costly and time-consuming fund-raising efforts for the agencies, so their time can be spent helping others.
  • Local financial support for community non-profits through the United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties can then be used as matching funds, often required for much sought after grants, which bring millions of additional dollars back into our community every year.

Don’t some agencies receive government funding?

Many agencies do receive governmental support. In fact, United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties funding often allows agencies to leverage available government funds to maximize their resources. However, shrinking government dollars mean local funders like United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties are more important than ever.

Why do agencies still have fundraisers when they are funded by United Way?

United Way funding is never intended to full-fund an organization or program. Healthy non-profit organizations have a diversified funding base which includes grants, fundraising, and (if possible) program revenue. As the needs of the community continue to increase, so do the financial needs of our agencies. Supplemental fund-raising activities are allowed as long as these activities do not require employee solicitations.

Why do United Way funded programs charge fees?

Because the extent of United Way of Harvey and Marion Counties agency services is so great, United Way funds provide only a portion of the money agencies need to provide services. Many United Way agencies charge sliding scale fees so they can help more people and some programs have no fees.

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, loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities, family problems, mental disorders, and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Your gift helps ensure that United Way of Harvey and Marion County services are available when they’re needed. Remember, an economically stable community with healthy, well educated citizens attracts new business and benefits all of us.

What if my spouse already gives to the United Way?

Each and every contribution is important and makes a difference. Only by each person giving can United Way of Harvey County help meet the community’s many needs.