What is the United Way of Lee County? |
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There are many excellent human service agencies in Lee County. Most of them require donations from the community in order to survive.
The United Way of Lee County is an efficient, trusted, locally-monitored way to reduce the number of times you are asked to donate to these worthy causes. One time each year, the United Way asks you to make a helpful contribution that benefits all our agencies all year round. |
How are your agencies approved for United Way funding? |
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All agencies seeking funding must annually prove to the United Way board that they are providing needed services, have a sound program, and do indeed require funding. Each agency submits a funding application that includes key details about their program and their budget. Then, they appear in person before the United Way board to answer direct questions.
The United Way board, made up of about 20 local people like you, closely examines each agency prior to approving any funding. As an additional measure of scrutiny, UWLC board members personally visit our agencies each year. |
How is your goal determined? |
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After assessing the total funding needs of its agencies, the United Way board determines how much of that total they can realistically raise from the community. The final determination also considers other issues such as previous fund drive totals and current economic conditions. |
What are your overhead costs? |
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We strive to maximize our efficiency so that a maximum of your donated dollars go directly to the people who need it. In the last several years, our entire budget of administrative and fundraising costs has ranged from 11 to 12 percent of our campaign goal, while 88 to 89 percent of our budget went directly to our agencies. Few organizations can match that level of efficiency! |
Do agencies raise funds on their own? |
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Yes, they can. However, the UWLC board has the right to restrict independent fund-raising efforts that coincide with the annual United Way campaign. |
How much should I give? What is my "fairshare"? |
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For decades, the common rule of thumb is: (1) 1% of your gross salary, (2) one day's pay, or (3) $1 per week. Of course, any contribution you can make will help. |
What if my employer doesn't offer payroll deductions? |
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You can make one annual contribution, or if more convenient, contribute with installments. Just indicate your choice on the UWLC pledge card. |
Why do you keep asking for more money each year? |
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Inflation. Most of our agencies are fortunate to have abundant, inflation-free volunteer help. But increasing prices for supplies and services affect non-profit agencies, too.
Increasing Needs. Besides inflated costs, many of our agencies have inflating client lists. The growing problems of drug abuse, single-parent households, senior care, and troubled families are creating more people in need of our agencies' services.
New Agencies. Our United Way annually receives funding requests from new agencies. The UWLC board occasionally approves these requests when they believe that our donors will support that agency.
We work hard to be frugal and maximize every dollar given to United Way. We appreciate your support at whatever level you're able to give.
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I've heard that United Way supports abortions. True? |
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False. The United Way of Lee County has never provided any funding for abortions. |
I've heard that a large percentage of United Way contributions leave the area. Is that true? |
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No. It's not true. Less than one percent of our budget goes to the national United Way. The rest of the money stays in Lee County. Of the small amount given to the national United Way, Lee County benefits from discounted campaign materials, training, and the promotional benefits of our association with United Way.
When you contribute to the United Way of Lee County, you can feel confident and proud that your locally-earned dollars are staying here, helping local people through local programs.
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I know some people who have a good income who use United Way agencies like the Y, Bright Beginnings, and Open Sesame. Those people certainly don't need my support. |
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You're right. Those people don't need your support.
But the low-income households who need those agencies are desperately in need of your support. United Way dollars do not go into the general fund of those agencies; our dollars support those people who need subsidies to use these agencies' services.
At the YMCA, some elderly people need the YMCA for therapy reasons. Other low-income folks use the Y's preschool. Throughout the country, YMCAs generally need community support to exist, and the United Way is often a primary source of that support.
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I work in Lee County, but I live just outside the county. Can I designate my United Way donation to go to the United Way in my home town/county? |
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Yes, you may. The UWLC respectfully honors those designations.
However, if you live in Lee County but work in a neighboring county, the United Way of that county may not honor requests to send donations outside of that county. Check with your local United Way before assuming that your designations to Lee County will be honored.
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