Why should I give to United Way instead of directly
to an agency?
- Giving through the United Way allows you to use
payroll deduction and spread your gift over 12 months.
- Giving through United Was assures you that your
contribution is carefully monitored by volunteers to make sure
that the agency you support is spending its dollars wisely and
is managed responsibly.
- You can support services to your Island County
neighbors served by the 22 member agencies. One gift can help
infants, families, emergency needs and seniors.
- Our administrative costs are very low, in-fact,
they are 15.5%. 25% is considered acceptable in the fields of social
services.
Why should I give through Island County, if contribution
goes through my spouse's work in another county?
Your gift is appreciated, but dollars given through
your work in another county may not help in Island County unless
you designate United Way of Island County or one of our member
agencies on your pledge card.
What if my employer cuts my hours and I cannot
afford to give the money I pledged?
If your situation changes, your employer can adjust
the amount being withheld from your paycheck. If you give directly
to United Way of Island County, a telephone call to us is all
you need to make an adjustment.
I feel pressured to give at work and resent this.
You have every right to resent pressure to give.
United Way of Island County does not our contributors to feel
pressured to give. We have a strong policy against coercion.
If you feel you were pressured to give, please call our office
and let us know so that it will never happen again.
What if I want all my money to go to one agency?
Just designate that agency on your pledge form.
If the agency is not already a member of United Way of Island
County, the agency must be a 501(c)3. You can expect to receive
a note of thanks from the agency you choose to support.
What if I don't want any part of my contribution
to go to a certain agency?
Just write the name of that agency under the "negative
designation" line on your pledge card.
Knowing that there is a great need to support
families, what agency should I support?
Give to the Community Fund and volunteers will see
that your contribution goes to meet that need if you indicate
that interest on your pledge card.
Is Planned Parenthood a member of United Way of
Island County?
No. They have not been a member in Island County
since 1984.
Can I still give to Planned Parenthood?
Yes. Planned Parenthood is a 501(c)3 and is eligible
to receive positively designated contributions.
Why should an agency want to be a member of United
Way?
United Way agencies pass strict test of their financial
management and the worth and legitimacy of their program. Even
though agencies receive money from other sources, United Way funds
are often the core of their yearly income. United Way membership
is also an important endorsement of the quality of an agency.
How does United Way make funding for their services?
Volunteers review agency budget and service plans
for human care needs. Information and agency visits are the basis
for funding decisions.
Why do some agencies charge for their services?
United Way funded agencies are used by people at
every income level and state of need. Even though United Way
support is substantial, it covers only part of the average agency's
needs. One way to cover this shortfall is by charging a fee to
people who can afford to pay. Most United Way agencies have a
sliding fee scale based on an individual's income level.
I only live on Whidbey/Camano part of the year,
why should I give to Island County?
We ask that you remember that there are human service
needs in Island County that go unmet each year because so many
residents of the Islands live here only part-time and work in
other counties. When you give at work, all of your gift stays
to provide services in that county. Each United Way is independent
and funds services for people living and using in their county.
All are willing to see that a part or all of your gift returns
to Island county if you make that request.
