Frequently Asked Questions

Where does my money go?
Your money doesn't stay at United Way. Your gift supports more than 31 health and human service agencies in your community. Central County United Way member agencies use their allocations for programs, services, and other specific purposes to best serve our community. Less than 15 cents of every dollar is used.

Is my United Way a local or national organization?
Your Each United Way is equally autonomous, locally governed, organized and operated.

Why should I give to United Way?
An investment in Central County United Way delivers community results. The money raised in our community by Central County United Way, stays here. Central County United Way is a community partner bringing together companies, individuals, non-profit agencies and others to best address community needs. Prioritization of community Needs and specific funding decisions are made by volunteers, not United Way staff. People like you who care about this community work with United Way funded organizations to assure they are meeting the most vital community needs, have sound financial practices and are meeting measurable goals for their programs. United Way is the best way to improve the quality of life for everyone in your community.

Why not just give directly to the agencies?
By giving to United Way, your dollars will have greater impact. Experienced community volunteers will help invest your gift in programs that deliver results for our community.

I never use agency services, so why should I give?
We all want our community to be the best place in which to live — healthy, safe, and rich in services. Your generosity will go a long way toward ensuring that a wide range of human service programs are available to community residents. It is important that our community provide a combination of ongoing services, including Youth Intervention Services and one-time emergency resources, such as food pantries. United Way asks people to give because our community's needs are always greater than its resources. Your gift to United Way supports a growing network of charitable organizations that serve as a safety net for the community and whose programs improve the quality of life for all residents. One out of every three persons will utilize a United Way Member Agency in their lifetime.

How do I know I can trust United Way?
United Way has been a part of our community since the early 1960s and, through over 40 years of local effort, has raised and dispersed more than $10 million. Central County United Way is audited annually by an independent Certified Public Accountant Firm.

What are United Way's fundraising costs?
The Better Business Bureau recommends that at least 50 cents of every dollar be used for the reason it was donated for. Here at Central County United Way 94 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to United Way Member Agencies.