Frequently
Asked Questions
The following is a compilation of
questions frequently asked of campaign volunteers. If
you have a question that is not answered below, please
contact your Campaign Representative.
Why should I give to United Way?
United Way is in the business of creating long-term change for residents in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. It is not how many individuals we provide for and serve. It is not how many programs or partners we unite. The numbers are wonderful, but the results are better. What matters is: The bottom line results, the lives we change, and the communities we shape. Everyone benefits, because United Way-supported services help make our community a better place in which to live.
Where does my contribution go?
United Way for Southeastern Michigan addresses current and emerging issues in metro Detroit by focusing on three areas crucial to long-term success for individuals and families: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs. United Way for Southeastern Michigan aims to create lasting change in metro Detroit through its initiatives and programs such as: Individual Development Accounts, the George W. Romney Volunteer Center, 2-1-1, Success by Six, the Earned Income Tax Credit Initiative, and the Community Capital Resources Fund.
Is my contribution used effectively?
In 2006, United Way raised more than $61 million, thanks to the generosity of people here in southeastern Michigan. Your contribution to United Way supports efforts to make long-term change under United Way's Agenda for Change, which focuses on three areas: Educational Preparedness, Financial Stability and Basic Needs. All of your dollars stay in this community to help you and your neighbors thrive..
How can overhead cost be so low?
More than 20,000 volunteers from across the tri-county
area assist United Way in helping those in need. They
do everything from collecting contributions to deciding
where the money will go. In addition, companies encourage
their employees to assist United Way staff and volunteers
during the campaign as Loaned Executives. This keeps
overhead costs low, allowing more health and human service
needs to be met.
Is my gift really important? Will
my contribution be missed if I don't give?
Yes, your gift would be missed. We can't depend on others
to meet our community's needs. It takes all of us doing
our part. Each contribution - small or large - adds
together to become a powerful force for caring. Through
large and small agencies, this force provides people
assistance with health and human service needs, assistance
that would not be possible without United Way support.
You might not need these services today, but your gift
is an investment that helps ensure services will be
there for you and your family if needed in the future.
I would like to help,
but just can't afford it.
Any amount, even if your gift seems small, will help. Rising costs have made it difficult for all of us to make ends meet. It's just as hard, or even harder, for those who need help from United Way. A payroll deduction pledge allows you to make a generous contribution in manageable portions each pay. Together with your coworkers, you have the power to make a difference in someone's life and, ultimately, our community. Together we create real change.
My spouse gives for both of us.
United Way's giving concept is based on each individual investment. It's important that each person gives something to do his or her part. This is necessary for United Way to meet our community's needs throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
I have given generously in the past.
Why should I increase my gift?
Your generosity is very much appreciated. However, the demand for services is rising, and less people are able to give due to the difficult economy. Many people who may never have sought services before are doing so now. Think more about the current value of your gift in relation to the increased needs of those who have nowhere else to turn
I pay my own way. I'm not going
to use these services, so why should I support them?
It's possible that you might never use United Way services, but statistics show that you or a member of your family probably have or will turn to United Way at some point in your lives. All of us care about about creating a better place to live and raise our children. By supporting United Way's long-term efforts now, you are also lessening the cost citizens pay down the line for intervention efforts. For example, $1 contributed to early childhood programming - which is part of United Way's Agenda for Change - saves $17 later in life.
Why give to United Way when government
programs support local agencies?
While government dollars, in combination with private dollars, are used to fund certain services in our community, government cutbacks continue to seriously reduce the ability of agencies to provide essential levels of service. The agencies in our area need United Way, as well as increased help from its contributors.
Does United Way condone pressure
in giving?
No. United Way is on record opposing it. United Way is an excellent way to meet community needs, but everyone's gift should be voluntary.
If I don't like one of the charities,
why should I give during the United Way campaign?
When donors contribute to United Way, they trust us to use their donations to do the most good in community. A major advantage of giving to United Way is that it assures that a variety of programs and services are supported that address current and emerging community issues. While contributors might find an agency they don't like or don't understand, by withholding support, they penalize many other agencies. In fact, agencies often rely on one another for supportive or supplemental services. By not giving, a contributor may be preventing their "favorite" agency's clients from receiving important services elsewhere.
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