WHOM DOES UNITED WAY SUPPORT?  In 2010, local volunteers for United Way raised over $348,000 for the 16 partner agencies.  This money was allocated to each agency according to needs, use, and outcome measurement.  The need for funding will always exceed the available funds.  As such, the United Way of Stephens County has a responsibility to direct its resources to critical areas of need while supporting the community as a whole.

WHAT IS AN ‘AFFILIATE AGENCY’? Not all agencies need United Way funding because they have adequate resources of their own, but still want to use the technical support and credibility that United Way offers.   Some new agencies are unfunded due to developing standards;   they will receive support and training from United Way in order to become funded later.   

WHO RUNS THE UNITED WAY?  Volunteers representing all segments of the community serve on the Board of Directors and committees.  Volunteers plan the campaign, make allocations decisions, and plan special projects within the community.  The United Way of Stephens County staff is small in number:  two regular staff and one community coordinator, who is grant-funded.

WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF MY CONTRIBUTION THAT STAYS IN THE COMMUNITY? 99% of your donation stays right here in Stephens County to help local agencies help local people all year long.

WHEN CAN I DONATE? You can donate year round to the United Way of Stephens County. Please contact our office at 580-255-3648, and we will be happy to help you or, you can donate online by clicking on the Donate link and clicking on the Donate Now button.

WHO DECIDES HOW THE MONEY IS SPENT? Each agency must meet high standards of operation and program goals before it is accepted into the United Way of Stephens County. Every spring, member agencies submit budget and program proposals to an Allocations Committee made up of approximately 20 volunteers from different walks of life. These volunteers review the requests and determine the best way to distribute campaign funds in order to meet the great number of human needs.

DOESN'T RUNNING UNITED WAY COST A LOT OF MONEY? Administrative expenses are kept as low as possible. Without a United Way, local agencies would receive only a fraction of the amount we are able to raise through this joint effort. The small amount spent to keep our office open year-round is also offset by the fact that our staff is available to refer those in need to sources of possible help.

CAN I DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO THE AGENCY OF MY CHOICE? You may. However, remember that part of the value of having a United Way is the allocations process, or the annual citizen review of each agency. Through this process, you can be sure your donation is being used responsibly by all agencies.

ARE UNITED WAY CONTRIBUTIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?   Yes, if you itemize your deductions on your federal income tax return.

WHY DOESN’T THE UNITED WAY FUND ORGANIZATIONS THAT HELP ANIMALS OR THE ENVIRONMENT?   United Way exists to raise and distribute funds to help solve human problems.   There are people in this community who are hungry, homeless, disabled, battered, or neglected.   While we regret that there are animals who are also mistreated and environmental issues that need attention, that is not our primary mission.

UNITED WAY AGENCIES ONLY HELP THE POOR OF THE COMMUNITY.   Agency services are geared toward helping people, no matter their income level.   A crisis can affect anyone at any time;   services are there for them.   Youth programs such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are for all kids in the community, not just those of a certain income level.   Agencies that provide counseling and legal services do so on a sliding pay scale, so that they are accessible to a wider range of citizens. And local food banks are there to handle a crisis, no matter who is affected.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE SOME OF THE AGENCIES THAT UNITED WAY FUNDS?   Designations are allowed to any of our agencies, including more than one agency.   Our goal is to raise funds for agencies that have a proven track record in Stephens County and have met all reporting and financial needs.

WHY DON’T I JUST GIVE DIRECTLY TO THE AGENCY I LIKE?   Feel free do so, or to designate your United Way pledge for a specific agency.   United Way of Stephens County provides technical and marketing assistance for agencies in addition to allocated funds;   we also make sure that partner agencies adhere to government regulations and the Agency Agreement, demonstrating financial accountability and dedication to this community.   The assistance United Way of Stephens County provides and the checks and balances in place ensure that your pledge will be used in our community.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE?  I’LL NEVER NEED THE SERVICES OF ONE OF THESE AGENCIES.   None of us know if and when we’ll need the services of a United Way agency.   Crisis can come at any time.   United Way supports programs that will help you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers… and not all programs are crisis intervention.   Many of our agencies provide preventive services, as well as outreach and youth programs.   Our entire community benefits from these agencies.

I KNOW SOMEONE WHO ASKED FOR HELP FROM UNITED WAY AND DIDN’T GET IT.    United Way of Stephens County does not provide direct service;   we provide support to our partner agencies and community projects. Often, our first referral is to 2-1-1, a United Way agency that gives information and referrals in times of crisis.   Our staff works diligently to educate themselves about human services in our community, regardless of agency status, so that we can provide referrals as quickly as possible to those in need.   However, sometimes people ask for services that do not exist in Stephens County, or they are seeking services for which they do not qualify.   At all times, our staff works to coordinate needs with agencies;   in most situations, help is available.