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Frequently Asked Questions
What is United Way of San Luis Obispo County?
United Way of SLO County is an independent local nonprofit organization governed by a Board of local volunteers. By encouraging our community members to give, advocate and volunteer, we work to highlight critical health and human service issues and focus support and contributions where the need is greatest. United Way of SLO County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. We are committed to supporting programs that focus on prevention and act as a safety net for local agencies through professional guidance and emergency funding.
When we say we are “working to advance the common good,” it means we are less about helping one person at a time and more about changing existing systems in order to help everyone. By taking this approach, United Way recognizes that we are all connected and interdependent, and that it takes a collective effort (just like in the workplace) to create solutions. United Way is focused on prevention, much like a well-run business.
Why should I give to United Way’s Community Impact Fund?
Giving to United Way is the most effective way to build a stronger, healthier, more compassionate community in San Luis Obispo County. When combined with other contributions from businesses and individuals, your donation is leveraged and therefore more effective. United Way provides each of us with the power to advance the common good. Through our active involvement—when we all LIVE UNITED—we change lives.
Where does my money go?
Your donation goes back into our local community. Funds are directed to where the need is greatest in the following targeted areas: education, income and health. Through special initiatives and annual grants awarded to local nonprofits, United Way helps make SLO County a better place to live. Below is a partial listing of our achievements in 2009:
- $170,000 was awarded through Community Impact Fund grants
- United Way helped administer $269,320 in federal funds to our county through the Emergency Food & Shelter Program
- $20,000 was approved to help continue the 2-1-1 call service in our county, a necessary information and referral system for all residents
- $25,000 was awarded through the Community Collaboration Grant
- $5,000 was provided through the Innovation Award
- Three $1,000 awards were distributed through the Youth Board Grants
- The FamilyWize prescription drug discount program was launched, saving SLO County residents over $310,000 since the program was started
- The first Youth Board was established, engaging 13-19 year old students in leadership, teambuilding and community service opportunities; members learn how nonprofits and their board of directors function, and what it means to give back through volunteerism and philanthropy
- The second Born Learning Trail was established at Oceano Elementary School. It is the first bilingual trail in the state of California and the second of its kind in the United States
- Community service events such as Stuff the School Bus, Make a Difference Day and Share A Tree were held, providing local individuals and families with unique volunteer experiences
Who benefits from United Way?
We all benefit from United Way because today's United Way focuses on what matters most to our community. Whether it's fighting hunger and homelessness, ensuring that children receive quality care and education or helping nonprofits do what they do better, programs supported by United Way’s Community Impact Fund create powerful and lasting change that can be felt throughout the entire community – individuals, families, seniors, businesses and nonprofits.
Why should I support United Way as opposed to other nonprofits?
United Way of SLO County’s Community Impact Fund is a pool of individual, workplace and corporate gifts collected by United Way to address specific community needs as determined by community volunteers – just like you. When you give to United Way of SLO County, your contribution stays local unless you specify otherwise.
With over 1,000 nonprofits to choose from in SLO County, individuals and businesses are continually asked for their support. United Way strives to make the greatest impact on the critical needs of those living in our local community from a holistic perspective. One of our most appealing characteristics is that we are here for everyone and are not limited to a single issue or population; we are uniquely positioned to work with, and on behalf of, a variety of groups by collaborating with other nonprofits, businesses, service and faith-based organizations, governments, neighborhoods and individuals. By donating to United Way, you support a network of services that together serve entire families and communities.
For example, a homeless family often needs services beyond finding shelter. By supporting the Community Impact Fund, you support a variety of services that the family needs to make it on their own, such as food, affordable housing, tutoring, job training and access to health care, child care, and after-school programs. Giving to United Way, when combined with the contributions of others, goes a long way to helping our community.
Who makes the decisions on how United Way funding is distributed?
All our grant funding decisions are made through a rigorous community volunteer process based on criteria that ensures accountability and capacity for delivery. We encourage practical collaboration and problem-solving innovation. Grant proposals and emergency funding requests are reviewed by a diverse group of community volunteers and approved by our local Board of Directors.
Why can’t United Way just provide funds to agencies without a grant process, like in the old days?
It’s because our donors have entrusted us to utilize their contributions carefully and wisely. United Way is results-oriented so our grant process takes into account an organization’s financial soundness, effectiveness of program delivery and measurable results before they are awarded funding. Most people do not have the time to intensely analyze every nonprofit they wish to donate to. United Way’s grant process ensures accountability so our donors are confident their money has been put in the right places.
Can I designate my gift to a specific nonprofit organization through United Way?
Absolutely. Mark your designation and the amount you’d like to designate at the bottom of the pledge form or your personal check. Please note, in accordance with IRS guidelines, you may not designate your gift to programs or accounts where you have budgetary signature authority, and your charity of choice must be a 501(c)(3) organization.
- In 2007-2008, over $538,000 was allocated to over 100 different nonprofits through donor-advised contributions
How do I make sure my gift doesn’t go to an agency or program I don’t wish to support?
If there is an agency or program you do not wish to support, simply note it on the pledge form or your personal check. We will also make sure to make note of your request for future donations until you specify otherwise.
How much of my donation goes towards paying administrative costs?
To cover the cost of raising awareness and raising funds, researching and monitoring recipient nonprofits and administering donations, the United Way of San Luis Obispo County retains 20.95 of your contribution (Source: 2009 UWSLO Audit). We are proud to say this is well under the 35% as suggested for nonprofit organizations by the Better Business Bureau.
This necessary expense also allows us to do all the other work we do throughout SLO County –program delivery, volunteer coordination, emergency funding, long-term disaster relief, advocacy and providing resources for our local nonprofit agencies. So when you give directly to us or designate your gift, you are supporting our overall work and the important work of other nonprofits for a very minimal cost.
United Way is a big organization, how much money do you send to the national organization?
United Way of SLO County is a member of United Way Worldwide but operates as an independent organization governed by a local Board of Directors. Our annual membership dues are 1% of our overall fundraising, which in 2009 came to $4,838. We are known as a ‘Metro 5’ in the United Way system, meaning we are a smaller-sized United Way which raises under $1 million annually. In return for our dues to UWW, we receive numerous benefits including access to free trainings, materials, marketing tools and consultants, resources for program development and advocacy, inclusion in the National Corporate Leadership Program and of course name brand recognition.
United Way of SLO County is a small organization of five full-time and one part-time staff members. We are thankful to have modest office space at a reasonable price in our convenient downtown location. Much of our services, equipment and office furniture come to us at a reduced price, or as in-kind or gently used donations. We do not have company cars or an expense account for meals and mingling. Our paid staff makes a modest income in comparison to the private sector and cost of living in SLO County. You can be assured that our staff and volunteers utilize donor investments carefully and wisely. For more information, you can view our Independent Auditor’s Report and Form 990 online.
Why can’t United Way just provide funds to agencies without a grant process, like in the old days?
It’s because our donors have entrusted us to utilize their contributions carefully and wisely. United Way is results-oriented so our grant process takes into account an organization’s financial soundness, effectiveness of program delivery and measurable results before they are awarded funding. Most people do not have the time to intensely analyze every nonprofit they wish to donate to. United Way’s grant process ensures accountability so our donors are confident their money has been put in the right places.
Is my United Way contribution tax deductible as a charitable donation?
Yes, your contribution is fully tax deductible; see your tax professional for more information. If you pledge through payroll deduction, your paycheck stub is your receipt. Contributions made by credit card, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or a personal check will be documented on your credit card or bank statements.
I am already on a tight budget. How can I afford to make a donation?
Even a modest designation such as $2, $5, $10 or $20 per pay period can help to meet the most critical needs in our community. By investing through payroll deduction you can spread your investment out over the coming year. Most of our donations come through the workplace and most of our donors give annual gifts of $100 or less. This is the true power of workplace giving.
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