THE FOLLOWING ARE JUST A FEW OF THE MOST ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR UNITED WAY.
Q: Which agencies/programs may receive allocations from United Way of Pickens County?
A: Any tax exempt, nonprofit organization, which conducts health or human service programs, may apply for funding. The agency must meet a community need not already being met and must present its budget, certified audit, and program design to the volunteers who implement United Way’s allocations process. The United Way of Pickens County Board of Directors makes the final decisions on all allocations.

Q: Why should I give? I don’t use the services of a United Way of Pickens County funded agency.
A: People in need affect everyone in a community. When the community improves, all citizens benefit. The community-wide United Way services reach beyond the care provided by a single group. A gift to United Way is clear expression of concern for your fellow human being. You or your family may not need services now, but you
may in the future. Isn’t it comforting to know they will be there when you need them?

Q: Since I work in another county, why should I give here?
A: United Way asks you to give where you live. Most agency services must be applied for in the county where you live.

Q: Are United Way of Pickens County gifts tax deductible?
A: Yes, for both corporations and individuals. Under current tax laws, individuals can deduct charitable contributions when they itemize.

Q: Can I give to specific agencies?
A: Yes. While the United Way believes that every participating agency is worthy of support through a single contribution, you may designate your gift to a specific agency. Keep in mind that United Way volunteers have researched each agency and identified the areas of greatest need for Pickens County. But, if a United Way funded agency or organization is especially important to you, and you wish to address that need alone, you should indicate this on the pledge form.

Q: What if I feel pressured to give?
A: The United Way has a non-coercion policy, so no one should be forced to give. The United Way is made possible because so many people give voluntarily. After all, volunteerism is what the United Way is all about. Your decision is a personal matter, but remember, United Way volunteers get the facts, evaluate the needs, and will put your gift to work right here at home.

Q: Does the United Way fund or support abortion?
A: No. United Way of Pickens County does not fund any agencies that promote,
endorse, or make referrals on abortion.

Q: Who determines how much money each agency receives?
A: Each year, over 30 local volunteers are recruited to serve on United Way’s Allocations Panels. Panels are responsible for carefully reviewing all funded agencies. The volunteers study each agency’s total finances, programs and facilities, and then make allocation recommendations that are ultimately approved by United Way’s Board of Directors. This process is repeated each year.

Q: Why do some agencies charge for services?
A: Agencies supported by the United Way serve all of us, not just the poor. If there is a fee for service, it is usually based on one’s ability to pay, and represents another source of income for the agency. This is necessary because United Way cannot cover the full cost of every agency’s operations.

Q: Someone I know didn’t receive help from an agency supported by United Way. Why?
A: Perhaps a misunderstanding has occurred. First, get the facts: names, dates, and all pertinent information. Then call the United Way office at 850-7094. Any concern will be explored fully, and a response will be provided to the inquirer.

Q: Why aren’t all fund-raising campaigns included in the United Way?
A: Solving the problems of any community requires tremendous resources. One organization cannot possibly cover every need. The United Way focuses on the health and human service needs of our citizens. To be funded by United Way, agencies must meet eligibility criteria and must follow certain guidelines when raising funds in the community. Agencies outside the United Way system make their own decisions about when and where to raise money.

Q: How much of my contribution actually goes to help people?
A: By using thousands of volunteers to raise and allocate funds, administrative and fund-raising costs are among the lowest of all charitable organizations. In 2007, only 17 cents of every dollar was used to cover administration and fund-raising costs.

Q: How many paid staff does United Way have?
A: The United Way has staff responsible for fund-raising, Community planning, allocations, financial administration, and communications. There are 4 full-time and 1 part-time positions. Specific questions should be directed to Julie Capaldi, President of United Way of Pickens County.

Q: My spouse and I both work. Why should we both give?
A: The United Way doesn’t ask families to give, but asks individuals to contribute according to salary and ability. If both the husband and wife work, each is asked to consider giving a Fair Share of what he or she earns. Improving our community increases economic growth and the chances that new companies will locate here. New jobs mean increased prosperity for everyone.

Q: What if I don’t want my money to go to one of the agencies funded by United Way?
A: All the organizations funded by United Way do not have equal appeal to everyone. United Way funding is based on the importance of the needs the agencies meet-not agency popularity. You may exclude an agency from receiving any of your contribution by noting this on the pledge form.

Q: The United Way Fair Share Scale is too high-do I have to give that much?
A: Fair Share is a guide, not a demand. Fair Share was designed to ask each person for the same amount in proportion to his or her earnings. It is a response to people who ask, “How much should I give?” Obviously, only you know your own circumstances-your gift must be your decision. The guide simply brings fairness to “the ask”.

Q: Are campaign volunteers paid?
A: No. In fact, it probably costs them money to work for the United Way. From the campaign chairman to the hundreds of other volunteers, not one is paid for any services rendered. In addition to giving their time, talents and contributions, they pay for all expenses incurred in working for the campaign.

Q: What is the relationship between the United Way of Pickens County and United Way of America?
A: The United Way of America (UWA) is a national training and service center providing services to United Ways across the country. The United Way of Pickens County (UWPC) pays membership dues to UWA in return for services. These services include use of the United Way name and logo, market research, promotions items, national advertising including the NFL spots, and training for staff. In 2007, $6,488.17 was paid in dues. UWPC’s Board chooses to participate with UWA. UWA does not govern UWPC. Your United Way is local, run by local volunteers. There is no national United Way.

Q: Who gives to the United Way?
A: Over 50 companies and organizations participated in the 2006-2007 campaign, approximately 4,300 individuals contributed. Total dollars raised - $805,766.

Q: Can you give me a brief description of the United Way of Pickens County?
A: The United Way of Pickens County is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living and working in this area. Each year, volunteers review the problems facing Pickens County and the programs designed to address them. Funds are then raised and distributed to help those who need it most. In 2007 this organization raised $786,118 to support 29 health and human service agencies and programs that serve Pickens County residents.