Do I need to give even though my spouse gives where he/she works?
As an individual wage earner, your gift is important to United Way. The concept of United Way and the potential a community can raise is based upon what individuals wage earners give back to the community from which they draw their income.

What about pressure to give?
United Way has a policy against coercion because we know helping others is a personal matter. You should feel no pressure to give to United Way. Your participation in the United Way campaign is very important, but we want to earn your confidence so that you will freely choose to support local health and human service programs.

If I give to my church, why should I also give to United Way?
Local United Way funded programs help compliment religious organizations in their mission to alleviate human suffering in their communities. In some instances, United Way has formed valuable partnerships with the faith community and have joined forces to help eradicate serious social problems like hunger and homelessness.

I already give to other organizations. Why should I give to United Way?
At the United Way, we know there are many organizations that people individually support: our alma maters, religious affiliations, children's schools, and personal charities of our choice. We respect those commitments and still ask that you consider the rest of the community, where needs continue to grow year in, year out.

I live outside of the Greater Attleboro/Taunton community. Why should I give to UWGAT?
Most of the United Way member agencies and United Way supported programs serve participants who either live or work in the community.

Why should I support the United Way's Community Impact Fund instead of an organization directly?
When you invest in the Community Impact Fund, you are investing in the entire community.  Your one gift helps people not only find a job, but helps subsidize the cost of childcare so families can afford to work.  Your investment not only provides people with preventative health screenings, but also ensures nursing care is available when they need it.  Your one gift not only provides people with emergency food and shelter, but also makes sure the support services exist to help them live independently.  Therefore, your gift designated through the United Way can have a larger impact and longer-term investment. United Way also works to ensure your dollars are used as effectively and efficiently as possible through program and service accountability.

Can I decide where my gift goes?
Yes. The United Way offers flexible giving options, so that your donation can support all of our programs, a targeted group, such as at-risk youth or the elderly, or a specific agency or program. You can even designate your gift to a nonprofit, human service agency outside the United Way system.
 

I'm never going to need United Way services, so why should I support them?
You may never use United Way supported programs or services, however, one in three people in our community will use a United Way program during the next year and many will never even know they are doing so. If you aren't currently using a United Way service, you can ensure that our services will continue to exist if and when you, a family member, or a friend may need them.

Who benefits from United Way programs?
We help everyone in our service area (Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Mansfield, North Attleboro, Norton, Plainville, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton) who needs or wants help through information and referral services, as well as direct agency programs. Currently, one in three people use United Way programs.

Who determines how much money each program receives?
Individuals who volunteer to serve on our Community Impact Committee visit the agencies in groups to carefully review programs and budget information. They listen to a budget presentation made by agency volunteers and are given an opportunity to ask questions. Nearly 40 volunteers collectively make funding recommendations based on United Way initiatives and community priorites, and send those funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors for their approval. If you would like additional information, please call the United Way at 508-222-2337and ask to speak with Melissa Vanhorn, Community Impact Associate.

What is United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton's administrative overhead?
UWGAT's overhead is approximately 21%, which includes fundraising, marketing, and administrative costs. This is a lower percentage than most nonprofits nationwide and the 35% standard suggested by the Council of Better Business Bureaus. We are fortunate to have many of our costs absorbed by local corporate sponsors.

What is the United Way of America and how are you affiliated?
The United Way of America, located in Alexandria, VA, provides training and services to the 1400 independant United Ways across America. It does not do any fundraising, nor does it make any policy for local United Ways. In exchange for national advertising and educational development support, UWGAT pays dues of less than one-tenth of one percent of the total campaign dollars raised.

I heard some negative news about United Way recently. What was that about and why should I give?
In the past, there have been stories in the news regarding management practices at the United Way of the National Capital Area in Washington, D.C. We want you to know that these are not the practices of the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton. Each United Way is an independent, community organization and the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton maintains strict financial controls and professional ethics to guard against fraud.

Did UWGAT stop funding the Boy Scouts?
No. UWGAT continues to support Scout Reach, a program that subsidizes Scouts of America for scouting programs for boys from low-income families.