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United Way
101 |
United Way 101: Your
most common questions about United Way are answered
Why is there a
United Way?
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To identify
important needs in the community and to gather leaders,
businesses, and volunteers to work collectively toward
making positive change.
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To increase
efficient use of contributed dollars through a
cost-efficient annual fund drive. United Way operates with
an administrative overhead of about 18 percent and can raise
more money at a lower cost than agencies raising the same
amount of money through their own efforts.
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To provide
free of charge information and referral services to
individuals in Portage County. United Way’s 211 Portage,
manages thousands of calls every year, maintains a database
of over 800 programs in the county, and produces numerous
resource publications for schools, hospitals, other
organizations, and residents. People can simply pick up
their phone and make one phone call to 2-1-1, 330-297-4636,
or 800-961-0191, to find out what they need to know in order
to assist themselves, relatives, friends, or others.
Who runs United
Way?
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Over 100
volunteers who work and live in Portage County and who are
deeply committed to our community, oversee United Way
operations. Volunteers organize campaigns, supervise audits,
budget funds, develop services, determine policy and make up
the United Way Board of Trustees. The Board hires staff to
oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
How can I be
comfortable knowing that my contribution is being spent to meet
needs in Portage County?
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You can be
assured that your gift to United Way is managed by a group
of volunteers who hold the organization accountable to
ensure that every dollar is well spent. Each year, about 50 trained
community volunteers decide which programs receive money and
how much they receive. Partner programs are reviewed
annually to ensure that they are using United Way
allocations in the most efficient manner, investing in as
many people as possible in the county.
I don’t like
one of the partner agencies or programs funded by United Way of
Portage County. Why should I still contribute?
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All of
United Way of Portage County’s supported programs provide
valuable services to our community. Each of the programs is
closely examined by volunteers who review the organization’s
operations and budget in detail to make certain that people
in need are effectively served. Partner program membership
in United Way is based on the programs and services
provided; not on popularity. However, if you feel strongly
about a particular program or agency, you can designate your
contribution to the partner agency or any other 501 (c) (3)
health and human service non-profit agency of your choice.
Why doesn’t
United Way support or include all social service organizations in Portage
County under its umbrella?
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Not all
agencies or programs want to participate in a single,
community-wide campaign and abide by United Way policies. An
agency or program must apply to United Way for inclusion in
the United Way federation. Many agencies do not take this
step, while others do not qualify to meet United Way
standards of financial accountability and program service
delivery. Also, only IRS tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charitable
non-profit organizations can be part of United Way.
I currently
support my favorite non-profit agency or program. Why should I
give a gift to United Way?
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Want to give back to your community?
Make a
pledge.
United Way, 218 W. Main
Street,
P. O. Box 845, Ravenna, OH 44266
steve@uwportage.org,
Phone:
330-297-1424, Fax:
330-296-3813
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