FAQ
Through a vast network of area-wide contributors, volunteers and charitable agencies, local United Way organizations throughout America help meet the health and human-care needs of millions of people everyday. United Way’s 100-plus year history is built on the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own communities.
WHAT IS UNITED WAY?
United Way is a worldwide organization, made up of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways across 41 countries and territories. Each United Way is independent of one another, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. Our United Way is 100% governed by over 25 individuals living and working in our local community.
The United Way itself was created so contributors would have a means to pool their donations with others and obtain effective community-wide results from the money they donate. No outside groups or agencies have any form of input or control over the finances of the United Way.
WHAT DOES THIS UNITED WAY FOCUS ON?
At Burlington/West Burlington United Way, we focus on education, income and health.
Our children need a quality education so that one day they can find employment that provides economic stability and mobility. Everyone needs good health to perform well at work or school (including mental health). Families and individuals are working to become financially stable to build a safety net of funds.
SO, WHAT'S THE GOAL?
We’re working toward a day when every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed: when every third-grader reads proficiently, every student has what’s needed to reach graduation, and every graduate is fully prepared for success in college and/or their career.
We envision a day when every adult can find and keep a job that leads to financial stability and when every individual has the resources to live a happy, healthy, productive life.
WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO UNITED WAY, INSTEAD OF TOA SPECIFIC NONPROFIT?
Our community’s challenges are bigger and more complex than one organization can solve alone. That’s why, when you invest your dollars with the United Way, you’re investing in multiple organizations that are expected to deliver measurable results to improve the lives of children, families and individuals in the Greater Burlington Area.
When you give to United Way, the value of your dollar multiplies, and that’s a smart investment. For every $1.00 given to United Way, $0.99 stays in our community. That often includes investment match opportunities, tax breaks and more. That’s a positive return.
CAN I DIRECT MY DONATION TO ANOTHER NONPROFIT OF MY CHOICE?
Yes. As an individual donor, you may designate a portion or all of your United Way gift to a specific nonprofit organization or focus area/s. Eligible nonprofits must be a 501(c)(3) in the United States.
WHO DECIDES WHICH ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE FUNDING?
Skilled and trained committees made up of more than 70 community volunteers review, evaluate and recommend grantees that address important needs in our community. Then, our Board of Directors gives final approval.
WHO ARE BURLINGTON AREA UNITED WAY'S CURRENT FUNDED AGENCIES?
HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF I CAN'T AFFORD A LARGE GIFT?
No matter the amount, a donation to United Way makes a direct impact on our community. If you’re unable to give monetarily, consider giving your time by volunteering.
HOW CAN MY BUSINESS BE MORE INVOLVED WITH THE BURLINGTON AREA UNITED WAY?
