The following are a few of the most common questions asked. Don't see the answer to your question here? Please contact us at any time and we'd be happy to answer any of your questions.
What are UWSN's fundraising and administration costs?
Over the past 5 years, on average, 86.82 cents of every dollar donated goes to help people in need. UWSN is a leader in cost-efficient fundraising,spending only 14 cents on the dollar to run the annual fundraising campaign and administer the organization. In a study done by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy (Charitable Fundraising in Canada, 1996) the average cost ratio of respondent charities was 26% -nearly twice as much as UWSN.
If United Way raises funds for agencies, why do I still receive so many requests for money?
The United Way cannot prohibit non-United Way groups from soliciting contributions. United Way member agencies agree not to ask the community independently for day-to-day operational support, however, some member agencies conduct campaigns for items such as capital acquisitions, which are not funded by United Way.
Can donors direct their donation to a specific agency?
Yes. You may direct your donation to a specific agency or to any other registered charity in Canada.
Why do some agencies have their own fundraising drives?
UWSN funds are used by agencies to cover program operating expenses only and UWSN does not provide 100% funding to any of its agencies. In factagencies are encouraged to diversify their funding sources to increase agency stability. Supplementary fundraising is done after consulting with UWSN.
Once an agency is part of the United Way, is it always a part of the United Way?
Through annual review, United Way assesses agency services and ever changing community needs. When an agency no longer fulfils a need or the particular service is no longer required, the relationship with United Way may either be discontinued (over a determined time period) or altered. The United Way also considers funding agencies that only require one time or temporary funding, either because they are waiting for government funding or because they have a special short-term project.
How much should I give?
Giving is a very personal matter and is certainly the donor's total decision. Many factors affect the amount a person or a family can afford to give. It must be recognized, however, that the United Way campaign is not a campaign for one organization, but a campaign for 30-32 different organizations. In attempting to arrive at what might be considered a generous giving level, a commonly accepted formula developed by representatives from labour, business and the United Way arrived at an amount of fifteen minutes pay per week or one hour's pay per month times twelve months of the year. This is known as a Fair Share gift. It is important to stress that the United Way does not encourage or condone pressure tactics when a donation is requested. The generous giving guide is provided for the information of the donor but the final decision is entirely his/hers.
Why not let the government do it all?
Government bureaucracy often means red tape and inflexibility to changing situations. It means another level of expense on everyone's tax bill and it means the loss of thousands of volunteers, working with United Way and its affiliated agencies - at no cost. There is no better way to support the community than through volunteer involvement and voluntary support.
Why does United Way ask for more money each year?
Governments no longer fund the services funded by United Way South Niagara. And growing needs and our changing community means that more money must be raised each year. As in our own homes and businesses, costs keep rising. The increase allows for maintaining and expanding current services as well as providing for new and emerging needs each year.
Am I being pressured to give?
Neither the United Way nor its volunteers think that people should be forced to give. Forcing someone to give is not an acceptable way to convince people to help others - it defeats the very idea of voluntary giving. People give because they understand the critical needs of people in the community and because they feel United Way is one of the best ways to help people in need. United Way hopes that everyone makes a decision on that basis.
My spouse gives, should I?
We hope that every person with a steady income will consider giving to those who are less fortunate. Every donation helps. All donations are tax deductible.