- Why Give?
What are the benefits of giving to United Way of Greater Milwaukee if I don’t live in Milwaukee?
The benefits of having a safe place for youth, opportunities for students, a lower crime rate and the ability for corporations to attract and retain talent are just a few examples of how a stronger community benefits us all.
Whether you live, work or play here, metro-Milwaukee is a part of your community. Your contribution improves lives in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.
What does United Way do with my contribution?
United Way invests your contributions in the Community Impact Fund or the specific initiatives you selected. If you designated part of your contribution to an eligible Donor Choice agency, United Way forwards it the organization.
- What is the Community Impact Fund?
Your direct, undesignated gift to United Way becomes part of the Community Impact Fund, which is the pool of money United Way uses to support all Safety Net programs and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty initiatives. It is directed toward our community’s most critical issues, including poverty, youth development, building financial stability and preventing teen pregnancy. United Way distributes dollars from the fund to programs that are monitored by volunteers and staff to ensure results.
How does United Way select the programs funded through the Community Impact Fund?
United Way assesses and responds to our community’s most critical needs. Through in-depth research, United Way community volunteers and staff determine which agencies’ programs can best address these critical problems. Funds are then distributed to these programs annually based on priority alignment, program effectiveness and agency fiscal responsibility. Volunteers regularly monitor the agencies and programs to ensure that United Way only invests in programs that manage their money responsibly and produce positive results.
- How is United Way of Greater Milwaukee connected to United Way of America?
United Way of America is a national service organization that provides services and support to 1,400 local, independent United Ways across the country. United Way of Greater Milwaukee has its own 501(c)(3) certification, is independently governed by a local board of directors and pays dues to United Way of America. Money raised in Greater Milwaukee stays in Greater Milwaukee, supporting local programs and helping local people.
- Who runs United Way of Greater Milwaukee?
A volunteer board of directors sets local United Way policies and works in partnership with a professional staff administering the day-to-day operations.
United Way has a track record of efficiency. It has been recognized both locally by the Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin and nationally by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest nonprofit watchdog organization, for its fiscal accountability. United Way of Greater Milwaukee has received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for the last four years – only 6% of the 5,300 charities reviewed have achieved this high honor.
- How much of what I give is used for administrative and fundraising expenses?
United Way of Greater Milwaukee is one of the most efficient fundraising organizations in the country, with low administrative and fundraising expenses. United Way invests 90% of the money raised in the annual community campaign in community problem solving – far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s recommended minimum of 65%. Thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers each year, United Way of Greater Milwaukee is able to minimize costs, keeping administrative and fundraising expenses low.
- Is United Way committed to diversity?
Yes, United Way reflects all the people who live and work in the greater Milwaukee area. From our volunteers and donors, to our staff and the people we help, we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our community, which makes us stronger as an organization and drives positive change in our community.
- How does a donor qualify to receive United Way's Community Impact Coupons?
The Community Impact Coupons are a new thank you to donors who contribute $100 or more to the Community Impact Fund or one or more United Way initiative. The coupons offer discounts at entertainment venues, restaurants and other local businesses. To receive the coupons, donors should provide their home addresses. (The coupons have replaced the Impact Card).
- If I stop working for my current employer, what happens to my payroll deducted pledge?
Since your employer will no longer be providing a paycheck from which to deduct your pledged amount, your contributions will end. Your pledge does not automatically get routed to your new place of employment or to your home address.
If you change jobs or are no longer working, please contact United Way’s Finance Department at 414-263-8145. At that time, you can decide whether you are able to fulfill your original pledge, or whether you wish to adjust it. United Way offers several billing or credit card options for individuals. If you have switched jobs and your current employer runs a United Way campaign, it is possible to set up payroll deduction through the new employer.
- My spouse gives for both of us, why should I give to United Way?
Research with donors indicates that they perceive one of the most significant benefits of personal giving is the feeling of being part of a collective effort to solve problems and make a difference in their community. That sense of community involvement is derived from joining with fellow employees in the United Way effort at the workplace.
- Some of our employees and their families are on tight budgets. Should we invite them to be part of the campaign?
Yes, most people appreciate the opportunity to participate. In fact, people with lower incomes are sometimes more participatory and give higher percentages of their income than their higher paid co-workers. Giving through payroll deduction is convenient, and even a small amount each pay period makes a difference. Fifty-one percent of donors last year gave less than $100.
- Why should I give directly to United Way rather than designate my gift to a specific agency?
You can give to United Way or through United Way to a qualified agency. By giving to United Way you can make the greatest possible difference and help the most people by supporting the Community Impact Fund and its network of services which address our community’s most critical issues. A direct donation to United Way is the most effective and efficient way to make a lasting change. In addition, your direct donation to United Way may qualify for matching funds, which multiplies your gift.
- May I designate my contribution to any 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations?
No. When you give through United Way to a designated organization, your donation can be directed to a previously approved agency of your choice. Gifts to designated agencies are not monitored by United Way and require a deduction of administrative fees. Designations are, however, counted as a part of the United Way campaign. A donor may designate to any health and human service agency that meets the following eligibility criteria:
- Any regularly-funded United Way agency (member agency)
- A specific 501(c)(3) non-affiliated health and human service organization located in the state of Wisconsin that was approved by United Way of Greater Milwaukee by December 31, 2003
- Any United Way organization in the United States
- Any Community Health Charities-funded agency
- How does United Way handle designations?
United Way forwards donor designations to qualified approved agencies. Agencies inclusive of member agencies may use donor designations at their discretion and use is not subject to United Way monitoring of funds or programmatic results. Designations to United Way member agencies are paid out separately from and in addition to regular United Way funding.
If you do not wish to have your contact information released to the agencies you designate, just check the “Please do not release my name to the agencies I designate” box on the United Way pledge form or on United eWay.
- Does United Way fund programs through the Boy Scouts?
Yes. United Way of Greater Milwaukee funds programs of the local chapter of The Boy Scouts of Milwaukee County. The local chapter has signed United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s Letter of Assurance, which all member agencies must sign. The signed statement means they agree to adhere to United Way policies that ensure anti-discrimination, fiscal accountability and program effectiveness for over 10,000 local youth.
- Does United Way fund abortions?
No, United Way of Greater Milwaukee does not, has not and will not fund any abortion program or service.
- Can I claim a tax deduction for my United Way contribution?
Yes.
- Is my United Way payroll deduction contribution deducted from my pre-tax or after-tax pay?
It is deducted from after-tax pay.
- What documentation do I need to claim a tax deduction?
Please see general answers below. In addition, donors should consult their tax advisors for more specific guidance.
- Payroll Deduction: For contributions through payroll deduction, your final year-end paycheck and your pledge form will substantiate your total United Way contribution for the year.
- Check: For contributions to United Way by check, your canceled check is your receipt. For contributions of $250 or more, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will automatically provide you with a letter stating that nothing was given to you in exchange for your contribution. This letter will be provided to you no later than January 31 of the year following the gift. For contributions of less than $250, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will provide a similar letter at the request of the donor.
- Stock: For contributions of stock, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will automatically provide you with a letter communicating the amount of the charitable deduction and confirming that no goods or services were given to you in exchange for the contribution.
- Can I give a stock gift?
Yes, any marketable security traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or over the counter may be contributed to United Way of Greater Milwaukee. If you wish to make a stock contribution, please contact Susie Shefchik at 414-263-8144.
If you have a question about the United Way of Greater Milwaukee please send us an email below.