FAQs

Having trouble finding answers to your questions? Check out our frequently asked questions list below or contact us if you don’t see your question here!

On July 9, 2021 United Way of Allen County publicly released our intention to transition to four strategic priorities: Educational Opportunities, Food Security, Housing Stability, and Mental Health Access. Have questions about how this will impact you or your organization? Check out our Strategic Priorites FAQ document.

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If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us.

No. United Way does not share donor information with third parties. Donor information is used by United Way to thank donors, request contributions, and inform donors of the results obtained through the use of their gift. Donor information is confidential and can only be accessed by United Way employees in the course of their duties with the organization.

United Way of Allen County is committed to respecting, supporting, and protecting the dignity, uniqueness, and intrinsic worth of every person. In support of this commitment United Way has adopted the following diversity and inclusion policy:

The officers, directors, committee members, employees, and persons served by this agency shall be selected entirely on a non-discriminatory basis with respect to age, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, disability, or any other barriers to participation. Any agency program that receives funding from United Way must provide service to clients regardless of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other barriers to participation.

No. United Way of Allen County remains neutral on this controversial and potentially divisive subject. It is essential that United Way not participate in this debate on issues of morality if the organization is to sustain the community consensus required to be effective. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Allen County.

After United Way of Allen County pays membership dues to United Way Worldwide (1.5%) and the Indiana United Ways (0.3%), all money raised during the campaign stays in Allen County unless a donor has designated it to another United Way.

Yes. Please download the file here or call the finance office at 260.422.4776

United Way’s current three-year average for overhead costs (fundraising and administrative costs) is 16.1% percent. Better Business Bureau guidelines state that no more than 35% of an agency’s dollars be spent on fundraising and administrative costs.

United Way of Allen County is Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, meets United Way Worldwide membership standards, earned a Gold rating on Guidestar and has a 4-star rating for Charity Navigator.

United Way staff and volunteers strongly believe that giving is a personal choice. We encourage peer solicitation and employee meetings to avoid the possibility of coercion and to give interested individuals the opportunity to be both informed about, and involved in, the United Way mission. Any pressure is contradictory to agency operating principles. If you feel pressured to give, United Way recommends you discuss your discomfort with your campaign coordinator.

Your financial and volunteer support ensures that help is available to people in our community. Your contribution drives community-wide outcomes and has the power to change lives. A united approach is necessary to successfully break down barriers and empower families to live safe and healthy lives.

United Way of Allen County supports local services, and United Way services are available to people who live or work in Allen County. Oftentimes services are not available in smaller communities, leaving residents in those areas to depend on accessing them in Allen County. You also have the option to give to a United Way in another community through United Way of Allen County.

One gift addresses many needs – United Way of Allen County helps meet short-term needs such as food, shelter, and health care, while at the same time meeting long-term needs such as educational support and counseling in order to promote self-sufficiency.

Coordination – United Way of Allen County recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done.

People can inquire about openings on United Way’s board and committees, assist with the annual Day of Caring, or help run a workplace fundraising campaign. To search for volunteer opportunities, visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org/volunteer. For general questions regarding United Way volunteer opportunities contact volunteer@uwacin.org.

United Way is not a direct service provider, but collaborates with and funds many different organizations to help residents in Allen County. United Way of Allen County also leads several initiatives and coalitions as part of our Community Impact approach.

Funding decisions are made by a joint committee made up of United Way volunteers and staff. The committee makes recommendations on funding based on our priorities and goals. United Way’s Board of Directors makes final funding decisions.

United Way of Allen County is a volunteer-driven organization. Our board of directors is composed of knowledgeable community leaders, all of whom live and/or work in Allen County. The board establishes policies and allocates resources to ensure that United Way is properly managed.

No. United Way of Allen County is an autonomous local organization. All funding policies and decisions are made by volunteers and approved by the local board of directors. The organization receives services from United Way Worldwide, an organization that assists more than 1,800 local United Ways with: market research information, training opportunities, use of the United Way logo, and relationships with major national employers as well as the National Football League (NFL).

United Way employs industry-standard security features to protect your personal information online.

If you are giving through payroll deduction you will want to keep your W2 or last paycheck stub for the year to reference your charitable giving tax information. If you are donating directly (cash payment) to United Way of Allen County the organization will mail tax receipts at the end of the year.