Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Way?
United Way is a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life: education, income, and health. By bringing together a broad range of financial and human resources, United Way is able build partnerships and support local services that are accountable for delivering measurable results.
Who is served by United Way of Greater Toledo?
United Way of Greater Toledo serves individuals and families in Lucas, Ottawa, and Wood counties. In fact, we operate as United Way in Ottawa County and United Way in Wood County as appropriate. Although program funding is determined by local volunteers and may differ from county to county, your United Way is committed to services that:
- prepare children to enter and graduate school;
- promote financial stability and workforce development;
- improve people's health and wellness;
- respond to basic or critical needs; and
- provide information, referral, and volunteer opportunities.
What’s the difference between giving to United Way vs. another charity?
When you give to a specific charity, you support a cause. When you give to United Way, your gift becomes part of a collective effort (United Way Agenda for Change) to strengthen our entire community. Your gift to United Way allows you to accomplish more than you can alone or through a single charity.
What is the benefit of giving my gift through United Way?
Although gifts to the United Way Agenda for Change are the best way to create the most impact, you are provided the opportunity to choose how your contribution is invested by designating your gift to any local health and human service nonprofit 501(c)(3) or another United Way. Designating your gift through United Way allows you the convenience of payroll deduction.
If I don’t benefit, why should I give?
You or a family member may have already used a United Way-funded program without realizing it. In fact, people from all backgrounds benefit from Red Cross disaster services, Scouting programs, youth mentoring programs, assistance with shopping or household chores for an older parent, and many more services provided by United Way.
Even more, when you support United Way, our overall community is strengthened because more people have the skills they need to keep jobs; more families are able to find affordable, stable housing; more children succeed in school and stay away from dangerous activities; and more seniors and people with disabilities remain independent in their own homes longer.
Who determines how contributions to United Way are spent?
Knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers from across our community – people like you – carefully screen and select the programs funded by your United Way contribution. (In order for a program to be eligible for United Way funding, the sponsoring organization must be involved in the provision of a health or human services in Lucas, Ottawa and/or Wood counties in the State of Ohio, and is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations within the meaning of IRS Code Section 170 (c)(1) or (2), which includes 501 (c)(3) organizations.) The recommendations for funding are then reviewed and approved by our volunteer Board of Trustees.
After selection, these programs are closely monitored to make sure they produce positive, measurable results.
Who runs United Way?
Your local United Way staff works in partnership with knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers who represent the diversity of the community. A volunteer Board of Trustees sets policy and strategic direction. Various committees make program funding recommendations, oversee financial practices, and provide guidance on operational issues.
Our volunteer network is the key reason why our administrative and fundraising costs are among the lowest of any charity, and why more of your contribution goes directly to helping people.
How much of my gift is used for overhead?
Fifteen cents of every dollar raised by our United Way is used for fundraising and administration – this compares favorably with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 cents. It is our commitment that all gifts to United Way are invested wisely in programs that change lives in our community.
Is my gift tax deductible?
United Way of Greater Toledo is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) eligible to receive tax deductible gifts. You should discuss the tax deductibility of your gift with a tax professional.
How is my local United Way related to United Way Worldwide and other United Ways?
United Way Worldwide (UWW) is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement. UWW provides support to over 1,300 local United Ways through guidance, training, development services, research, and national advertising. However, UWW has no input on how a local United Way invests contributions in its community.
In exchange for these services, United Way of Greater Toledo makes an annual payment to UWW that is equal to one percent of the dollars raised annually. This is paid by earnings on and contributions to an endowment-like fund known as the Board Designated Fund.
How do I volunteer?
To volunteer in your community, visit our website at www.unitedwaytoledo.org/volunteer or simply dial 2-1-1 on your phone.
How do I access United Way services?
By simply dialing 2-1-1 you can be connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to helpful community resources. Staffed by trained information and referral specialists, this free, confidential helpline is made possible through contributions to United Way.
