What does United Way of Allen County do?
For more than 80 years, this locally-controlled non-profit organization has acted as a fundraiser for human service causes in Allen County, Indiana. Today, United Way of Allen County continues to strive to create a stronger, healthier community for everyone. The organization currently raises money for 36 agency partners and more than 70 services and initiatives. It now plays an expanded role, as a community-builder. In partnership with business, government, and other nonprofit groups, United Way gets people talking about big issues that affect the whole community - and helps gather resources and connect the people to bring about change. Working together, in a united way, we can all do more than we could alone. return to top
Who makes decisions for United Way of Allen County?
UWAC is a volunteer-driven organization. Its board of directors is composed of knowledgeable community leaders, all of whom live and/or work in Allen County. The board establishes policy and allocates resources to assure that UWAC is properly managed. return to top
Is United Way of Allen County controlled by its national organization, United Way of America?
No. United Way of Allen County is an autonomous local organization. All funding policies and decisions are made by local volunteers. The organization receives services from United Way of America, an organization that assists more than 1,300 local United Ways with market research information, licenses use of the United Way logo, and helps cultivate relationships with major national employers as well as the National Football League (NFL). return to top
Does the money UWAC raises stay in Allen County?
After dues are paid to state and national organizations, 98.7 percent of all funds raised for Allen County stay here. return to top
Does United Way provide the services in which it funds?
Generally not, although it does provide 2-1-1/First Call for Help, an information and referral phone service directing people to health and human services agencies. return to top
Who decides how much money goes to each program or service?
People just like you! Trained volunteers work on teams called Impact Teams, which study community problems and the best way to remedy them. Those volunteer groups make recommendations on funding, identify programs that will help our community reach those goals, and even recommend partnerships or changes in public policy that should be adopted to influence change. United Way's board of directors makes final funding decisions. return to top
How can I become a volunteer?
United Way and its 36 agency partners have many volunteer opportunities available. To learn more, follow the volunteer link. return to top
I don't like feeling pressured to give.
We believe strongly that giving is a personal choice. In fact, we encourage peer solicitation and employee meetings specifically to avoid the possibility of coercion and to give interested individuals the opportunity to be both informed about, and involved in, our mission. Any pressure is contradictory to our operating principles. If you feel pressured to give, we recommend you discuss your discomfort with your coordinator. return to top
I never use the agency services. Why should I give?
You may not need help from United Way programs today, but you or someone you care about may need them in the future. United Way-funded programs help people deal with problems and issues every day. Those issues may affect not only an individual, but, perhaps others around them - family, friends, co-workers, neighbors. You could be one of those people. Your financial and volunteer support ensures that help is available. return to top
I don't live in Allen County. Why should I give?
United Way supports local services. And United Way services are available to people who live OR work here in Allen County. If you like, you can choose United Way's Donor Choice option and designate some of your gift to a United Way in another community. But consider this too: Some human services are not available in smaller communities, so people in those areas depend on accessing them in Allen County. Also, UWAC can only forward donations to a United Way in another community, not a specific agency in that county. return to top
UWAC funds programs at an agency I don't like.
Community Campaign raises funds for more than 70 programs and initiatives, all judged important by volunteers serving on allocation panels. These programs serve a wide range of human needs, such as emergency shelter, counseling, mentoring, and literacy instruction. If you feel strongly about directing your gift, we suggest you use the Donor Choice form to designate to services you most want to support. Your gift will be separated from the community allocation process - shrinking the pool of funds available for distribution by the volunteer panels - and forwarded to the agencies you have chosen. return to top
Does United Way of Allen County fund abortion?
No. Some people have incorrectly assumed, or been misinformed, that the local United Way funds medical procedures to terminate pregnancy. That is not true. We will be happy to provide you with a list of funded programs upon request. return to top