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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to show the answer.
My Investment
- What makes an organization eligible for United Way funding?
To be eligible to apply for United Way funding, an organization must meet the following criteria:
- Is a nonprofit, health and human service organization that meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue 501(c)3 code.
- Governed by a nonsectarian, voluntary board of directors, consisting of members of the general community with at least 10 board members.
- Has been in existence for at least two years at the time of the application submission.
- Has a license to solicit in Michigan or be exempt under state law.
- Provides services in Kent County.
- Operates in accordance with state and federal law including, but not limited to all laws enforced by the U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act and the Michigan Handicappers’ Civil Rights Act.
- Complies with the Patriot Act.
- Operates with current bylaws that are approved by its governing body and are reviewed periodically.
- Has a strategic plan.
- Has a clear and understandable system of accounting, with monthly financial statements.
- Has developed and implemented a program outcome measurement system (for existing programs) or can demonstrate a program outcome measurement system from another community (for new programs – must also demonstrate plans for collecting and measuring local data).
- What is the Community Investment Fund?
The Community Investment Fund is comprised of all donations to Heart of West Michigan United Way that are not designated to another nonprofit organization. These are the contributions that are invested in programs that will help achieve our vision: A vibrant, safe and caring community where all children thrive and all people enjoy maximum health and self-sufficiency. About 80 percent of our contributions are directed to the Community Investment Fund. The Community Investment Fund supports education, income and health efforts in the community, including:
- Does my gift make a difference?
Absolutely! When your gift to United Way's Community Investment Fund is combined with thousands of other contributions, you can be assured that your donation will help advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
- How does United Way choose what to fund?
United Way’s priorities reflect our community’s changing needs. Volunteers from the community make recommendations to invest in programs that achieve measurable results. Partner agencies apply for funding every three years.
- How are United Way agencies accountable to United Way donors?
Member agencies are required to meet strict United Way standards, including nonprofit status under IRS subsection 501(c)(3), volunteer governance, and other considerations which may include priority of needs served, stability of the agency's operations, good fiscal management, the need for funding, program outcomes, and duplication of existing services.
Donor Designations
- Why should I give my money to United Way instead of directly to an agency?
Everyone should give to the charities that are closest to their hearts. Including United Way in the list of charities you support ensures that together, we are investing in the needs of the greater community.
Your contribution, when combined with the gifts of others, makes a powerful impact in our community. A single gift through United Way will address many challenges in our community and help hundreds of thousands of lives.
Imagine that with a single gift you will feed the hungry, shelter victims of domestic violence, provide quality child care and after-school care for children, take care of the elderly, and provide counseling for families.
When you contribute to United Way, your gift is treated with care by our fund distribution volunteers. They spend many hours reviewing programs, making site visits, analyzing budgets and determining the success of a program before making a decision on how much that program is awarded through our allocations process. Partner programs meet strict guidelines and must prove to volunteers exactly how they improve lives.
- Can I designate my gift?
Yes. Heart of West Michigan United Way investors can choose to designate their annual contributions to the Community Investment Fund and/or to a specific health and human services agency. Donors may also choose to omit a particular agency from receiving any portion of their gifts.
- Is there a minimum gift required in order to designate?
Yes. The designated gift must be $50 or more. United Way receives a 10% administrative fee for processing donor designations.
- What types of organizations are excluded from donor designations through United Way’s campaign?
- Arts (i.e., museums, symphonies)
- Animal/animal rights groups (i.e., Humane Society)
- Churches, synagogues, mosques or religious organizations
- Environmental causes or federations
- Individual schools, unless the designation is to a 501(c )(3) school foundation, unless the designation is to a 501(c)(3) organization within it.
- Sports teams and clubs, athletic organizations, or extra-curricular school activities
Workplace Campaign
- Why am I asked to give to United Way in my workplace?
United Way has always enjoyed a strong partnership with the business community. Businesses that host United Way campaigns typically have a deep commitment to their community and believe that real change can happen if the community comes together . An important part of that commitment is involving employees in their efforts. Business that host workplace campaigns understand we all share a responsibility for the people and neighborhoods where we live, work and raise our families.
- Are contributions to United Way mandatory at some places of work?
No. Contributions to United Way are voluntary; acts of coercion in any form are unacceptable. This is very important to Heart of West Michigan United Way. We believe the most responsive contributors are those who are informed about the important work we do. An effective communications program – conducted by committed volunteers and supported by a well-planned campaign – encourages an enthusiastic response. We also believe:
- Giving is a personal matter and should be kept confidential
- Employee giving should never influence personnel decisions (i.e.., compensations, promotion, etc.)
- A campaign objective based solely on 100% participation can create a perception of pressure, real or implied
- What can I do if I felt pressured to give?
United Way believes giving is a personal decision. Whether or not to donate and how much to give is entirely up to the individual. No form of forced giving is acceptable. United Way will refund any contribution an individual believes he or she was forced to give.
If you feel your employer forced you to make a donation to Heart of West Michigan United Way, please let us know. We want to give you your money back. Please call Robert Haight at 616.752.8620 to receive a full, confidential refund.
Operations & Accountability
- How are United Way and its funded agencies accountable to donors?
Heart of West Michigan United Way’s operating budget is audited by an independent accounting firm and is carefully review by the members of the United Way Finance and Audit Committee and Board of Directors. Click here for our complete audited financial statements.
All agencies and programs requesting United Way funding also undergo careful, regular and in-depth financial review by experienced and trained volunteers and professional staff who review audited statements and budget documents. In addition, agencies must report annually about the impact of their programs and services. In addition, all United Way-funded agencies must be registered 501(c) 3 agencies, and must abide by the U.S. charitable laws.
- What is United Way's perspective on administrative costs?
United Way is committed to ensuring your contribution is invested in the most effective way possible to provide maximum results. For the year ending June 30, 2007, Heart of West Michigan United Way’s fundraising and administrative costs were 10 percent. This percent represents that portion of administrative costs funded by dollars raised by the annual campaign. Almost 90 cents of every dollar donated is invested back into the community to help those who need it most.
United Way seeks funding from other sources in addition to its annual campaign. Examples include grants for programs like United Way’s 2-1-1, earnings from investments and endowment assets, fees for facility services rendered and rental income from office space at the United Way Center. These additional funding sources, along with campaign dollars, form the organization’s operating budget.
- Does United Way sell or trade list information of its donors?
No. United Way maintains its own database of supporters and will under no circumstances sell or trade this information to any individual or organization, public or private.
- In addition to directing funds to focused impact, agency impact and economic self-sufficiency, what are the other key areas in United Way's budget?
Each year, we anticipate a certain amount of campaign loss/shrinkage, as a result of people moving or not being able to meet their pledge commitments. In addition, about 19 percent of our campaign includes donor designations; those designations are forwarded to the agencies selected by the donors. We are part of United Way of America and pay an annual membership fee. Lastly, we have management, operating and fundraising expenses.
- What is United Way's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness?
United Way believes in the strength of diversity and the inherent worth of all individuals. The dignity and worth of every individual should be cherished, protected and preserved, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, status as an individual who is disabled or handicapped, or genetic testing. Click here for our diversity policy.
- What is United Way’s overhead?
Heart of West Michigan United Way’s fundraising and administrative costs are approximately 10 percent, calculated in accordance with United Way of America's standards. This percent represents that portion of administrative costs funded by dollars raised by the annual campaign. Almost 90 cents of every dollar donated is invested back into the community to help those who need it most.
- In addition to raising funds during the annual campaign, how does United Way raise more resources for our community?
Heart of West Michigan United Way focuses on bringing additional resources to our community by pursuing grants from companies, state and federal government sources, and endowments. We also work to facilitate resources coming to our community and going directly to individuals and organizations. For example, the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition brought almost $6.7 million in 2008 to low- and moderate-income families in the form of tax credits and refunds.
- Where does United Way's money come from?
In 2007 United Way received funds from 331 corporations, 656 workplace campaigns, plus individuals, foundations and state and federal campaigns.
United Way Impact
- What is Heart of West Michigan United Way’s mission?
United Way is a leader and community catalyst, mobilizing the caring power of individuals and organizations to help people measurably improve their lives.
- What is Heart of West Michigan United Way’s vision?
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Our vision is a vibrant, safe and caring community where all children thrive and all people enjoy maximum health and self-sufficiency.
- For what kinds of programs does United Way's 2-1-1 provide information and referrals?
- Housing and Shelter
- Food
- Health Care
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Utilities
- Free Tax Preparation Services for low- and moderate-income families
- Services for People with Disabilities
- Substance Abuse Services
- After-school Programs
- Child Abuse and Neglect
- Childcare
- Senior Services
- And many other services
- What are some of United Way’s programs or initiatives?
United Way advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite everyone to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
- Agency funding: We fund 116 programs at 51 agencies that address education, income and health. United Way invests in programs to help babies, children, youth, adults and senior citizens.
- 2-1-1, a resource to get help and to give help: When you have a problem, a question or simply don’t know where to turn, call United Way’s 2-1-1 (or 616.459.2255). If you’re interested in local volunteer opportunities, you may also call United Way’s 2-1-1.
- Free tax preparation: The Kent County Tax Credit Coalition helps low- to moderate-income people complete income tax returns and apply for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Volunteers are also welcome as IRS-certified tax preparers and site hosts.
- Schools of Hope: In just 30 minutes a week, volunteers can transform a child's life. We have a waiting list of children who need reading volunteers.
- Project Blueprint: This leadership program recruits, trains and facilitates the placement of people of color on local boards and committees in West Michigan.
- Volunteer Center: We can match the talents of individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities through Volunteer Solutions, an online matching tool.
- Early Childhood: We are a founding partner of and house First Steps, a community collaborative focused on ensuring that every young child in Kent County will be ready to succeed in school and in life.
Partner Agencies
- How often are applications from new agencies considered?
Every three years. Our current three-year cycle ends in June 2010.
- Who are United Way's partner agencies?
Click here for a complete list of 116 United Way-funded programs at 51 partner agencies.
- American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids
- Arbor Circle Corporation
- Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired
- Asthma Network of West Michigan
- Baxter Community Center
- Boy Scouts of America Gerald R. Ford Council
- Camp Blodgett
- Camp Fire USA West Michigan Council
- Camp Tall Turf
- Catholic Charities West Michigan
- Child & Family Resource Council
- Children’s Assessment Center
- D.A. Blodgett for Children
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
- Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Regional Poison Center
- Disability Advocates
- Dwelling Place
- Family Outreach Center
- Genesis Non-Profit Housing Corporation
- Gerontology Network Services
- Girl Scouts of Michigan Trails
- Goodwill Industries
- Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (G.R.O.W.)
- Grand Rapids Urban League
- Hispanic Center of West Michigan
- Home Repair Services
- Hope Network - West Michigan
- Hospice of Michigan - Grand Rapids
- Jubilee Jobs
- Kent Regional 4C
- Legal Aid of Western Michigan
- Life Guidance Services
- Literacy Center of West Michigan
- Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project
- Native American Community Services
- North Kent Service Center
- Project Rehab
- Restorers
- The Salvation Army
- SECOM - South End Community Outreach Ministries
- Senior Meals Program
- Senior Neighbors
- Thresholds
- United Methodist Community House
- Visiting Nurse Association of Western Michigan
- Wedgwood Christian Services
- West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT)
- West Michigan Dental Foundation
- Women’s Resource Center
- YMCA of Grand Rapids
- YWCA West Central Michigan
United Way of America
- What measures of accountability are in place with United Way of America?
A rigorous financial control system and an internal audit system, providing for direct board-level review of United Way of America operations, examine systems and transactions, ensuring past financial irregularities do not recur. Personnel controls ensure appropriate job definition, hiring procedure, work practices, and pay level for all positions in the organization.
The United Way system has developed comprehensive requirements for completion of audited financial statements. They are intended to create a uniform set of standards for all United Ways to follow in preparing audited financial statements to ensure consistency and transparency on the part of each United Way. The requirements are based on current best practices in our industry as well as generally accepted accounting principles and requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board. The United Way system has also developed requirements for completion of the IRS Form 990 that clarify various areas of ambiguity and establish a single United Way standard for the 990 when the IRS allows for several different approaches.
United Way of America is in compliance with the U.S. Patriot Act and other counterterrorism laws. The act is designed to prevent financial, technical, in-kind or other resources from inadvertently being used for illegal acts and terrorist activities.
- Aren't all United Ways the same?
No. While the 1,300 United Ways across the U.S. share principles and membership in United Way of America (a trade association), each is locally governed, independent, and autonomous. Each United Way sets policies and procedures in accordance with standards established by locally governed Board of Directors.
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