United Way of Barry County Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers
Question: Why should I give to United Way?
Why should I give to United Way when I’ll never use the services?
Why should I give if my spouse already gives?
Doesn’t the government take care of people who need services?
Can I designate to an agency of my choice?
Why can’t I just designate to an agency directly without giving through United Way?
I don’t like agency “X”.
How can I designate to an agency?
Why do some agencies charge for services?
Why are there still so many fund raising drives?
How much should I give?
How much of the money raised during the campaign goes to cover the costs of administration of Barry County United Way?
What is the local United Way’s relationship with United Way of America?
I can’t afford to give right now.
I live out of town. Where should I give?
How do I know I can trust United Way after the embezzlement scandal that happened years ago?
How can I get help?
Question: Why should I give to United Way?
Answer: United Way is an important investment in the Barry County community. United Way’s mission “to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Barry County Communities”. Barry County United Way has been supporting human service programs in the community for more than 67 years. It is an established non-profit organization. Many of the agencies that receive funding from United Way rely heavily on its funding for their programming. If the community did not support United Way, some of these programs may cease to exist, or would have to find alternative funding for the services they provide. This funding is made possible through support from the annual community fundraising campaign.
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Question: Why should I give to United Way when I’ll never use the services?
Answer: Chances are, you or someone you know has benefited. United Way and agency services are meant for everyone. Job loss, illness, loss of a
loved one, disabilities, family problems, mental disorders, and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Last year, Barry
County United Way and its member agencies were accessed over 45,000 times. You are an exception if you or your family hasn’t used services
provided by the American Red Cross, YMCA, Salvation Army, Family and Children Services, Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. It’s comforting to know you’ve
helped ensure programs will be there to improve the quality of life in our community, and that these services benefit everyone.
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Question: Why should I give if my spouse already gives?
Answer: Because United Way supports programs for everyone in our community, it depends on every working person for support. If only one spouse of
each family gave, many programs could not be supported. Each working member of a family is encouraged to give based on her or his ability. Without
the support of every working household member, United Way would not be able to raise the amount it does each year, thus fewer programs would be
funded through United Way.
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Question: Doesn’t the government take care of people who need services?
Answer: Because of current changes in government funding patterns many programs receiving federal funds face reduction or elimination of funds.
There are not enough tax dollars to meet the needs in our community. It is up to us to help close the gap created by these cuts and ensure that critical
human needs will be met.
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Question: Can I designate to an agency of my choice?
Answer: While you are free to designate to a particular agency, we encourage you to consider choosing the Community Impact Fund. The Community
Impact Fund is the best choice to do the most good. It allows you to leverage your donation by spreading it among more agencies, rather than just one.
Through this process, volunteers who have studied the most critical needs in our community and have reviewed the agencies’ budgets and programs,
recommend how to distribute these funds. This process is open to anyone who lives or works in the Barry County area
These volunteers make certain that funds are allocated based on service and community needs. If you have a favorite agency you would like to
designate to, we suggest that you divide your donation by designating a portion to your favorite agency and the remainder to the Community Impact Fund.
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Question: Why can’t I just designate to an agency directly without giving through United Way?
Answer: Through United Way, you can give by payroll deduction. Therefore, you are able to make smaller payment towards a larger gift to the
community. Many people would not be able to give the generous donations that they do, if they were not able to give through payroll deduction. Also,
when you give a non-designated gift to United Way, your donation is spread among more than 33 programs and is combined with other donors’ gifts to
have more impact on the community.
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Question: I don’t like agency “X”.
Answer: It’s natural that people will know more about some agencies than others. Volunteer fund distribution committees make certain that every
agency meets a proven community need with valuable services. But, if you prefer, you may exempt an agency from your pledge. You can also be a
program review volunteer. To receive more information on how to volunteer, contact the local United Way office.
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Question: How can I designate to an agency?
Answer: Designations may be made to any Barry County United Way agency, to a United Way in another community, or a write-in agency that meets
the 501(c) (3) health and human service requirements, by indicating this desire in the designation area of the pledge form. Designations will be
acknowledged by the agency.
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Question: Why do some agencies charge for services?
Answer: No one is turned away because of an inability to pay. However, United Way funds only a portion of an agency’s budget. The balance comes
from government grants, fees from people who can afford to pay for services, and other sources.
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Question: Why are there still so many fund raising drives?
Answer: Although it does not include every fund raising effort, the United Way is more than 30 campaigns in one. The reasons all agencies are not in
the Barry County United Way include: (1.) Not all agencies can or will measure up to the standards for funding, such as annual reviews of services,
income and expenditures, volunteer board membership, audits, etc. (2.) Not all agencies want to join because they feel they can raise more money
outside. . . by knocking on your door or calling your home during your dinner hour.
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Question: How much should I give?
Answer: Each person must make his/her own decision based on their ability. Your contribution is a voluntary expression of your concern for your community and other human beings. One hour’s pay per month is offered as a guideline for consideration.
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Question: How much of the money raised during the campaign goes to cover the costs of administration of Barry County United Way?
Answer: Barry County United Way has a very low administrative cost of 16%. We have worked diligently over the last several years at securing other
funding sources to cover the cost of fundraising and administration.
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Question: What is the local United Way’s relationship with United Way of America?
Answer: Barry County United Way is a local autonomous organization led by a volunteer board of directors. United Way of America is a completely
separate organization that provides training, research data, items with the United Way logo, and other services that are more cost effective to produce on
a national scale. United Way of America has no say in how our local United Way is administrated or how we invest contributors’ dollars – that is done by
local volunteers like you.
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Question: I can’t afford to give right now.
Answer: You don’t have to. Just pledge your gift and spread small payment throughout the year. You may use payroll deduction or direct billing by the United Way.
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Question: I live out of town. Where should I give?
Answer: We recommend contributors designate to the United Way in the community in which they reside.
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Question: How do I know I can trust United Way after the embezzlement scandal that happened years ago?
Answer: The embezzlement scandal in 1992 happened at the national United Way office, but unfortunately affected the credibility of the entire United
Way system and the more than 1,200 United Ways across the country. Each United Way operates independently and is governed by a different board of
directors. The scandal that happened at the national office had nothing to do with our local United Way. The man who committed the crime was
sentences to yours in prison for his actions. Barry County United Way is a fiscally responsible agency. They receive a clean audit from independent
auditors each year. In addition, their unique 100% Guarantee exemplifies their accountability to donors.
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How can I get help?
Answer: Anyone can receive help or information by calling Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center @ 269-945-4010.
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If you have a question about an agency, call United Way at (269) 945-4010 or e-mail bcuw@sbcglobal.net All inquires will be thoroughly explored.
