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Frequently Asked Questions
United Way provides essential health and human services to our community. The following information will give you a better understanding of the purpose and goals of United Way of Marion County.
What is United Way of Marion County?
United Way of Marion County is a local, nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that unites local resources to help our neighbors. United Way has been a proven Community Solutions partner in Marion County for 47 years.
What does United Way do besides raise and allocate funds?
United Way of Marion County works in partnership with government, schools, businesses and other non-profits to create community solutions. Your help supports supports Success By 6, an initiative of United Way of Marion County that ensures that all children enter school ready to learn through a partnership with the Eearly Learning Coalition of Marion County.
Who runs United Way of Marion County?
Local volunteers oversee every aspect of the organization. They plan annual fundraising and planned giving efforts, organize the campaign, collect contributions and recommend how dollars should be distributed. Top financial leaders in our community monitor United Way's operation and require that it be run in accordance with fiscally sound and accepted practices. United Way's accountability policy ensures that funds are prudently managed. Additionally, the organization is operated by a dedicated staff of trained professionals.
Why should I give if I haven't been helped?
Many people give because a growing number of our most vulnerable residents--abused women and children, our frail elderly, homeless families, those with handicaps and the mentally ill---cannot help themselves. You or someone you know may also have been helped at some time by a United Way supported program without even knowing it! The Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Senior Services' Meal on Wheels, Boys & Girls Club, Early Learning Coaltion's subsidized child care, ARC Marion and Florida Center for the Blind are just a few of the programs supported by United Way of Marion County.
Who decides what is distributed to each program?
The Allocations Committee, made up of local volunteers, studies community needs and agency program requests and recommends allocations that best meet Marion County's most pressing needs. United Way's volunteer board approves all final allocations.
How does United Way's overhead compare to other nonprofits?
United Way strives to maintain an average overhead of about 18 percent, making it among the most efficient fundraising organizations in the country. The National Charities Information Bureau and the Philanthropic Advisory Service of the Council of Better Business Bureaus report that "reasonable" fund-raising and administrative costs may be as much as 35 percent of a nonprofit's budget. The federal government allows organizations included in Combined Federal Campaigns to have overhead costs of up to 25 percent. For more information, visit the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance website at www.give.org.
Does my gift stay here in Marion County?
Yes, your gift supports local programs in your community unless you tell us otherwise. Our Contributor Choice program offers you both flexibility and control of your gift. Community Care means your dollars do the most good for the most people, Targeted Care allows you to ask that your gift is invested in programs in one or more Community Solutions areas, and with Specific Care you may designate contributions to one or more specific partner agencies, unaffiliated agencies that serve Marion County residents or even other United Ways. Your designation does not affect an agency's allocation.
Can I choose how my contribution is used?
The contribution may be designated directly to a specific agency. The agency may be either a funded agency of United Way or one not affiliated with United Way. However, the following restrictions apply: The agency must have a tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service under 501 (c) (3), its primary purpose must be in the health and human services field, and it must serve Marion County residents. International agencies, hospitals, churches and other primarily religious organizations, educational institutions and foundations, plus the arts, cultural, and environmental organizations are not eligible. The contributor may also designate another United Way to be the recipient of the gift.
Specific Care designations are subject to fundraising, management and general costs. It is the current policy of our United Way not to transmit names of Specific Care contributions to specified agencies unless requested by the contributor. United Way will transmit agency acknowledgments to other contributors if the agency requests that this be done.
What if I don't support one or more of the United Way affiliated agencies?
Upon your request, designated agencies will be excluded from receiving your contribution.
What requirements must United Way agencies meet?
They must be tax-exempt and and governed by a volunteer board while providing essential human services to the community. Agencies must also undergo an annual independent financial audit and meet reasonable standards of fiscal responsibility and efficiency.
How does an agency apply for United Way funding?
Agencies seeking United Way funding submit a Request For Proposal application. Please refer to our home page and then the link to "Request for Proposal Application."
What is the relationship with United Way of America?
United Way of Marion County is a local, autonomous organization. United Way of America serves sovereign United Ways by providing training, resources, research, and consulting services. One percent of campaign dollars are paid to United Way of America for membership.
Please call us at 352-732-9696 if you have any other questions.
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