Local Autonomy

As the nation's leading community solutions provider, United Way invests in and activates the resources to make the greatest possible impact in communities across America. The United Way movement includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers.

United Way System Mission

United Ways bring communities together to focus on the most important needs in the community -- building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference. Click here to learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan's mission.

Revenue

In 2003-2004, United Ways across the nation generated $4.05 billion in total revenue to help America's communities address their most critical issues. The resources raised include $3.59 billion in revenue from the annual campaign and other gifts such as planned gifts, gifts to initiatives like Success by 6, corporate sponsorships, and government grants. In addition, United Ways mobilize more than a million volunteers annually in communities nationwide. Click here to learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan's annual campaign.

Community Partners

United Ways ensure that each organization in which they invest is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers, and that it submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost, and maintains a policy of non-discrimination. Click here to learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan's Community Partners.

Administrative Costs

A vast network of volunteers and the simplicity of corporate payroll deduction keep administrative expenses low - averaging 13 percent of all funds raised at the largest United Ways. This figure compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent. Click here to learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan's standards.

United Way of America

United Way of America is a national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making measurable impact in every community across America. It invests in the programs and services that strengthen the ability of local United Ways to identify and build a coalition around a set of community priorities and measure success based on community impact.