About Us > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who runs the local of United Way?

Where does my money go when I give to United Way?

How much of my money actually goes to programs?

Does United Way support abortion?

Who decides how much money agencies get?

Can I designate to a non-member agency?

Who runs the local chapter of United Way? < return to top
A volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 30 to 35 individuals representing a cross section of the community governs the operations of our United Way. The Board sets and monitors policies, reviews the budget and ensures United Way’s accountability to all donors.

United Way of America is the national trade association of 1,300 independent United Ways.  Each United Way is a local, separate and independent organization governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors meeting the needs of that individual community.  Local United Ways pays dues to United Way of America for services and the use of the logo.  United Ways have accountability standards they must follow to be a member but are not governed by United Way of America.

Where does my money go when I give to United Way? < return to top
Your money goes to more than 75 local programs in 33 agencies that are meeting critical needs in the community.  The needs are determined by a triennial needs assessment, where the community is asked to identify the most critical issues.  Your donation also helps support these programs run by United Way: the 2-1-1 Call Center and the Volunteer Action Center. 

The 2-1-1 Call Center is a free and confidential information and referral services, and the Volunteer Action Center matches volunteers with agencies.

How much of my money actually goes to programs? < return to top
As with any business, for profit or non-profit, there are expenses such as rent, utilities and staff to run the programs.  United Way’s administrative costs for 2007 were 13%, which means $.87 of every dollar you give goes directly to the programs and services offered by United Way and our Partner Agencies. A new audited figure for the previous year is available in March. According to the National Charities Information  Bureau, a watchdog group of charities, an acceptable standard is 40%, of which United Way of Southwestern Indiana is much lower than.  A volunteer finance committee and the Board of Directors review United Way’s administrative expenses monthly, and an independent accounting firm audits United Way annually.

Does United Way support abortion? < return to top
United Way does not support any organization that performs abortions.

Who decides how much money agencies get? < return to top
United Way depends on three teams of volunteers who work together to make funding decisions. This group of more than 60 volunteers takes on the challenging, rewarding task of investing contributions into local programs of United Way Partner Agencies.  Agencies submit budget packages requesting funding for programs, program outcomes and financial information.  Volunteers analyze all of this information and determine if the program fits within the United Way mission and funding criteria before making a funding recommendation to the Community Impact Cabinet. Based on the amount of money available for allocations, the Cabinet makes final recommendations of funding and presents it to the Board of Directors for approval.

Can I designate to a non-member agency? < return to top
In this new era of accountability and transparency, United Way must be able to account for every dollar we raise and what it is accomplishing in our community.  This designation policy is in place to ensure that your investment stays local and is making the most impact possible in our community.

Designation Policy: Donors may designate their gift to the United Way of Southwestern Indiana member agency or to another United Way.  The minimum gift to designate is $25 per agency.