Frequently Asked Questions
Common United Way questions
Why does United Way support some agencies but not others?
United Way primarily funds nonprofit health and human service agencies.
Any agency falling in that category that does not duplicate services of
another United Way agency can be considered for admission. In some cases,
agencies do not join United Way because of their national
organization’s policies or because they do not meet all of United Way’s
admission standards. United Way of Southeast Mississippi only funds
agencies in our three-county area. We have no connection to agencies are funded by other United Ways across the country.
Is my money just a handout to people who refuse to help themselves?
No. Most of the problems United Way agencies address know no social or
economic boundaries. Mental illness, physical disabilities, elderly care, natural disasters, alcoholism
and drug abuse can effect anyone. Thanks to your contributions, if you or
anyone you know is faced with a problem like this, United Way agencies are
there to help.
I prefer to give to my favorite charity.
United Way does accept designated gifts to particular agencies.
Unfortunately,
if everyone designated his or gift to a favorite
charity, a few popular agencies would prosper--or even be
over-funded--while less well-known but equally important services would
suffer or be eliminated. United Way volunteers evaluate all community
needs and allocate funds in order that critical needs are met and services
are not duplicated.
I already give to my church. Why should I give to United Way?
Most of us have obligations to our faith, but obligations shouldn't
stop there. We also have to think about the community where we
live and work. Remember, numerous services provided by United Way
agencies are not available through religious organizations.
I can't afford to give to United Way.
United Way encourages fair share giving, which is only one hour's pay per
month. Most employees can afford and are willing to give this
amount for the betterment of their community. However, any gift,
no matter how large or small, can make a difference in someone's
life.
Who decides where the money goes?
Volunteers do--people like you, who care about our area and its needs.
Each year volunteers from our three-county area evaluate programs on your
behalf. They are as careful with your United Way contribution as you would
be. They are not only volunteers, they are also contributors just like
you. They want to find the most effective ways to use their donations.
How are funds distributed?
With the greatest of care. It’s not easy to become a United Way agency. To
receive a portion of your contribution, agencies must prove that they are
doing the best possible job of meeting significant community needs.
Volunteers analyze each budget request, visit each agency and review every
program. They investigate each agency’s performance, administration and
financial management as well as its responsiveness to community needs.
Your contribution is then distributed to agencies and programs in our area that
provide help where it is needed most. For more information on the funds
distribution process, click here.
How much of what I give actually reaches the local agencies?
99% of the money raised by United Way of Southeast Mississippi stays in
Southeast Mississippi. Only 1%
is sent to United Way of America. This small membership fee is
used for training and advertising - no programs or agencies. Less than
15% of the money raised by United Way of Southeast Mississippi is used
for administrative expenses, such as campaign materials.
For
more information, please
contact our office to receive a copy of our latest IRS Form 990.
This is the federal tax return we are required to file annually, and
we'll gladly send you a copy free of charge.
What happens if the campaign goal is not reached?
Fortunately, United Way of Southeast Mississippi is usually successful in
meeting its goals. However, should we not meet
our goal, our Funds Distribution Committee would meet and determine which
agencies’ funds would be adjusted.
What happens if more money is raised than anticipated?
When more money is raised than anticipated, the Funds Distribution
Committee may vote to increase disbursements to various agencies. The
agencies that may receive additional funding would be determined based on
the priority of the needs that the agency serves, plus the accountability
the agency has demonstrated in the past.
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