What is United Way?

 It is a local organization of volunteers dedicated to identifying and responding to the health and human service needs of the Brown County area. United Way works to support programs efficiently, effectively, and without waste and duplication. The United Way is the ONLY charity that carefully reviews and monitors each program your gift supports, holding it accountable year-round and is the ONLY charity that takes a coordinated approach to our community's critical needs, focusing on five high-priority area of need. 

Why should I give? I never use the services.

You're lucky, but no one is immune to disaster, misfortune or problems. Your gift will make sure these services are maintained should you need them. In addition, everyone benefits from a healthy community where people's needs are being met. How about looking at the list of agencies that we fund? I bet someone in your family or someone that you know has been served by the Girl Scouts, American Red Cross, or at the senior center through CAST. 

Why should I give when I can't afford it?

There are certainly cases in which an employee cannot afford to give. However, most employees can afford one hours's pay per month for the betterment of the community. There are probably payment options that will make giving eaiser for you. 

Why do some agencies get more than others?

Allocations are determined by the needs of the community and the programs that agencies conduct that meet those needs. Both needs and programs are under constant study to insure a minimum amount of duplication and quality results.

I work for what I get. Let others do the same. 

You many have a misunderstanding of United Way agencies. Should you let home-bond seniors nurse themselves? Let children organize and operate character-building, educational, and recreational programs alone?

What is a suggested gift?

United Way does not tell you what to give, but offers a suggestion guide for those that want one. A giving guide is proportionate to income and is often defined as one hour's pay per month. Only you can decide what is right for your family circumstance, and you ability to give. Another way to look at it is to ask yourself, if each agency came to you and amde a seperate appeal, what would you give?

Can I designate my gift?

Yes. Although United Way encourages donors to give their gift to support all United Way agencies to meet its maximum impact, United Way does allow donors to designate their gift to specifc organizations. Designations can only be made to 501c3 organizations. Designations made to non-United Way of the Brown County Area partner organizations will be subject to a 15% processing fee to cover administrative and fundraising costs, according to United Way's Designation Policy. 

Does the national organization handle and distribute my gift?

Absolutely not. United Way of the Brown County Area raises money for local services. All the money you give is directed according to the decisions of local volunteers during the allocation proces where citizens review agency funding requests, budgets, and services. Membership with United Way of America only allows United Way the opportunity to benefit from various training and collaborative services, but does not distribute your gift at all.