Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Why should I give to United Way rather than giving directly to an organization?

Think of the analogy of receiving a small gift of $25 or $50 for a birthday. It’s very nice, much appreciated, but it really doesn’t change your life, and most people do not put a lot of thought into spending the money. However, if through an inheritance, you receive a major gift, such as several thousand dollars, most people put some thought into how best to spend the money in a way that would significantly impact their lives.

Apply this concept to agencies. When they receive random gifts from individual donors, they greatly appreciate the gift, but small amounts, received at random times do not allow for major planning or impact. On the other hand, the United Way funds received by agencies are given in large quantities with planning and thought put into how best to use the funds to enhance the mission of each agency or organization. In other words, small individual gifts are nice. United Way funds, raised and distributed collectively, make a major difference.

Also, by giving to United Way, you are helping to fund a whole system that provides a support and strength network to children, families, and the elderly in our community. As Jim Reevs stated when asked about a United Way donation: "When I give to the United Way, I can say that I give to many different agencies."

What about the United Way of America scandal?

William Arimony, past United Way of America president, was a thief, and he was punished. His crime does not make the entire organization bad.

United Way of Marquette County is autonomous from United Way of America. A board of local volunteers governs United Way of Marquette County. United Way of Marquette County pays dues in the amount of approximately $3,000 to United Way of America. These are our trade organizations from which we derive education and training, products and logos, and general information and networking.

What are the administrative costs of the United Way of Marquette County?

The administrative costs, based on the combined Management & General, Fundraising and Pledge Loss Expenses, are currently at 7% of revenues which is below the national average.

A fee is assessed against all designated gifts to account for time and materials in processing designated pledges. The current assessment is 15% of designated gifts.

Who decides which agencies and programs to fund?

Panels of volunteers from the community receive the program funding applications and meet with agency representatives to ask questions, then decide, as a group, how much money to invest in each program.

What are the different ways to give?

There are 3 different ways to direct your United Way pledge.
1. If you make a pledge to the general "United Way Community Impact," your dollars will go to the programs that most need the funding, as determined by the allocations volunteers described above. That way the programs that most need funding can receive the necessary support they need to continue their good work.

2. You may choose a "Community Impact Area" to direct your pledge to a specific need area, such as "Domestic Violence & Substance Abuse, Health Care Programs, Youth Programs, Elderly Citizens & People with Disabilities or Basic Needs." Your donation will then go to help support programs in that area.

3. Your pledge of $50 or more may be made to "Specific Care Giving" and designated directly to a health & human service organization in Marquette County. We will be sure the money goes to that agency.

What are my pledge payment options?
1. Payroll deduction. Most workplaces offer payroll deduction for United Way pledges. A small amount deducted from each paycheck is hardly noticed by an employee, but the dollars really add up when hundreds of employees pledge a few dollars per pay period.

2. Cash, check or charge for one time gifts.

3. United Way will bill donors for pledges over $200.

I don't have a lot to give, can I still make an impact?

No matter how much you choose to contribute, you'll be helping to improve the lives of families in Marquette County because United Way dollars address our community's most vital needs. Your donation is joined by many others and supports a network of programs that get results.