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Frequently Asked Questions:
Ever wonder who runs the United Way? Ever wonder where the money goes? Ever wonder if your gift is
really needed? Ever wonder why you should give?
These are the most frequently asked questions and comments that United Way volunteers hear throughout
the year. We thought you might like to know the answers.
What is the United Way anyway? It is an organization operated by a volunteer group of local citizens
whose purpose is to promote voluntarism, eliminate the effort and cost of many separate charitable fund-
raising campaigns, and make sure that the money collected is used in the most efficient and effective
manner possible. United Way’s focus is on making a lasting impact on the lives of those in our communities.
What are the advantages of the United Way? It's the easiest way to help a lot of people, young and
old. When you give through the United Way, you are serving people in this area. 99% of your gift stays
locally to serve people who need help. Your gift is allocated by citizen volunteers, who give the time and do
the research to make the best decisions.
How do I know that my pledge goes to the people who need it the most? You can be assured that
those with the greatest need will be helped, because only United Way provides a community-wide budget
review process, run by over 40 concerned volunteers, who take the time to study the needs and assure that
contributions are being used to provide services that are most needed in our community. You get a year-
round double-check on the use of your gift. In addition, each United Way agency thoroughly screens its
clients to ensure that your gift is used in the most effective ways possible.
I feel I'm being pressured to give to the United Way. No one should be forced to give. United Way is
made possible because so many people do give voluntarily -- voluntarism is what United Way is all about.
When any company or individual solicitor forces or pressures anyone, they are defeating the very idea of
"voluntary giving." The solicitor would appreciate the opportunity to explain the facts and needs of the
community and ask you to think about the importance of your contribution to these needs. We hope that
you don't feel that being asked is "pressure."
Ever wonder who runs the United Way? Ever wonder where the money goes? Ever wonder if your gift is
really needed? Ever wonder why you should give?
These are the most frequently asked questions and comments that United Way volunteers hear throughout
the year. We thought you might like to know the answers.
What is the United Way anyway? It is an organization operated by a volunteer group of local citizens
whose purpose is to promote voluntarism, eliminate the effort and cost of many separate charitable fund-
raising campaigns, and make sure that the money collected is used in the most efficient and effective
manner possible. United Way’s focus is on making a lasting impact on the lives of those in our communities.
What are the advantages of the United Way? It's the easiest way to help a lot of people, young and
old. When you give through the United Way, you are serving people in this area. 99% of your gift stays
locally to serve people who need help. Your gift is allocated by citizen volunteers, who give the time and do
the research to make the best decisions.
How do I know that my pledge goes to the people who need it the most? You can be assured that
those with the greatest need will be helped, because only United Way provides a community-wide budget
review process, run by over 40 concerned volunteers, who take the time to study the needs and assure that
contributions are being used to provide services that are most needed in our community. You get a year-
round double-check on the use of your gift. In addition, each United Way agency thoroughly screens its
clients to ensure that your gift is used in the most effective ways possible.
I feel I'm being pressured to give to the United Way. No one should be forced to give. United Way is
made possible because so many people do give voluntarily -- voluntarism is what United Way is all about.
When any company or individual solicitor forces or pressures anyone, they are defeating the very idea of
"voluntary giving." The solicitor would appreciate the opportunity to explain the facts and needs of the
community and ask you to think about the importance of your contribution to these needs. We hope that
you don't feel that being asked is "pressure."
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Who can belong to the United Way? Any non-profit agency may become a member, if it has a worthwhile program that meets an
identified critical need in our area. All agencies must adhere by the guidelines set by the Internal Revenue Service and the South
Carolina Secretary of State. In addition, each agency agrees to present its finances, budget, audit and program to the United Way's
volunteers for annual review. Being a “member agency” does not guarantee funding. Programs are reviewed annually and
allocations are made based on community needs and the agency’s ability to prove positive results.
Do United Way dollars go as handouts to deadbeats who refuse to help themselves? NO! The agencies supported by the
United Way dollars provide programs for people who want to help themselves. One of the advantages of giving the United Way is the
assurance to you, the giver, that this money is budgeted to agencies that serve the people with the greatest needs. The budgeting is
done by volunteers -- your neighbors -- so that you know it's helping the right people. Think about it -- is a handicapped child a
"deadbeat"? Is a lonely senior citizen? Is a family burned out of house and home?
United Way is part of the establishment - So who needs my money? We wish it were that easy. United Way is not part of the
government or any other establishment. It counts totally on voluntary contributions -- your pledge will make a difference. As a matter
of fact, most of the dollars come from people like you -- 85% of funds raised come through generous donations at the workplace.
Only by many people giving within their means will it be possible for United Way to make its goal. And even when we do make that
goal, there are still going to be unmet needs, people will still need help. That's why every single pledge is important.
I don't like "X" agency, why should I give? Although you may not like a certain United Way agency, you can be sure that it's
providing a valuable service to our community, or it would not be in the United Way. All of the organizations funded by the United
Way do not have equal appeal to everyone. Each one, however, is an essential part of the total human service foundation of our
community. There are hundreds of people looking to these agencies for help and guidance. United Way membership is based on
the service of the agency and the need, not on agency popularity.
Who decides how much each agency gets? A committee of volunteers representing the contributors, studies the member
agencies and after hours of work, recommends how much each agency will receive. Each year, the Committee thoroughly reviews
every agency's finances, program, facilities and long-range planning within the broad framework of community needs. Only the
United Way guarantees absolute local control of services and allocates strictly on the basis of proven local needs and results.
Are the campaign workers paid? DEFINITELY NOT! In fact, it costs them money to work for United Way. From the Campaign
Chairperson to the more than 200 volunteer workers, not one receives any payment. In addition to giving their time, talents and
personal contributions, they pay expenses incurred in working for the campaign. Ask anyone who has worked in the past.
Who pays for campaign luncheons and other meetings? Most luncheons/meetings are either underwritten by a special
donation, or the attendees pay for their own meals.
Why should I give? I never use agency services. The atmosphere of any community is directly influenced by the health,
happiness and well-being of every person in it. Broken homes, delinquency, neglect of the needy and substance abuse, impact our
community. United Way services are community services. They are for everybody--illness, family problems, mental disorders know
no economic boundaries. You or members of your family may not need United Way services now, but you may in the future. It is
comforting to know that if ever you should need or want those services, they will be available. In the meantime, a gift to the United
Way is a clear expression of concern for the strengthening of our region.
I already gave to a charity of my own. Why should I give to United Way? We all have our pet charities, but there are some
community problems that cannot be solved by hit-or-miss giving to an organization that has more immediate appeal than does
another. Only a program of skilled, coordinated planning can most economically and efficiently meet our area's total needs.
Are United Way gifts tax deductible? Yes. Consult IRS regulations or a tax consultant.
If I stop working, what happens to my pledge? Your pledge to United Way is made in good faith and is based on your earnings.
Should you stop working, you are completely and immediately released from your pledge for that period.
Does most of the money raised go to support agency services? Yes, nearly 88% of each dollar raised is channeled directly to
the member agencies for service. The National Charity Information Bureau considers 40% to be an acceptable overhead figure – so
you can be sure that your United Way is handling your hard-earned contributions effectively. United Way is the most efficient and
effective way to help people. It's planned, it's budgeted and it's fair and equitable to the people in the community.
Can I give to specific agencies? Yes. While the United Way believes that every participating agency is worthy of support through
a single contribution, designated amounts will be honored. Write the designated amount and the preferred agency on the pledge
form and the gift will be acknowledged.
What is considered an appropriate contribution? Many people are comfortable with considering 1% of annual income. Others
contribute at a rate of 1 hour's pay per month (6/10th of 1%). However, the amount of your gift is a decision that you need to make
personally.
I can't afford to give. Is this really true? The reality is "can we afford not to give?" The needs of people are not going to
disappear, nor can they be ignored. Think about giving up one soft drink per week, or one movie a month. Those small amounts can
add up over the course of a year and really make a difference in someone's life.
My husband/wife gives at work, why should I? The United Way does not ask families to give, but asks that employees contribute
according to salary. If both husband and wife are able to work, they are two employees and each should consider contributing within
the family means. Your fellow employees are striving for campaign success based on each separate income ... including yours.
I don't live in Sumter. Although a form of United Way has existed in Sumter since the 1940s, it is important to remember that
Clarendon County was incorporated in 1978 and Lee County in 1987. United Way is reaching out into the surrounding counties in an
effort to build a relationship with new agencies that are providing services to those residents. If you live outside of our region, all you
need to do is write the name of your community on your pledge form. We will gladly forward your donation to the United Way serving
that area.
Why should I give to the United Way? -- It's the government's job to be taking care of people. Even at the height of
government involvement in providing direct services, programs were designed very largely to provide people with funds for three
basic needs -- food, clothing and shelter. These benefits were never meant or designed to meet all needs. United Way services go
to people at all levels. People who can afford to pay all or part of the cost of service do so, those who cannot, don't. United Way
dollars pay for services to help those who work for a living and those who cannot -- in hundreds of ways. United Way plays a vital
role that tax dollars cannot.
No one is going to tell me how much to give! No one should ever tell you how much to give. This is your choice and the
existence of the United Way maintains this freedom for you. Thousands of people ask how much others give and what is expected of
them.
There are just too many requests for funds, and I cannot give to them all! Yes. This situation does exist, but United Way –
working with others in the community – is working on creating lasting change for our region. Over the years, more and more
agencies have joined the United Way because they see that by participating collectively, a greater percentage of the money
contributed goes directly to meet the needs identified as most critical. By giving to the United Way, you are doing more to help
individuals. You're helping build a better community and programs that serve the total community.
I had a friend who tried to get help and couldn't. Sadly this may be true. Often the demand for services far outweighs available
resources. Or, perhaps the person you know was eligible for assistance that comes from a tax-supported agency rather than from a
United Way agency. Sometimes a person wrongly assumes that a service agency is part of United Way when it really isn't. No United
Way agency will ever turn down a legitimate request for its services under any circumstances if funding is available. NEVER! Are you
also aware of the hundreds of examples each day where people are helped?
I give through my church. That's wonderful! Most of us have an obligation to our faith, but obligations should not stop there. We
also have to think of the community where we live and work. It is a responsibility to our neighbors, no matter what their faith. And
remember there are numerous services provided by United Way agencies not available through religious organizations?
I work for what I get … Let others do the same. This statement reflects misunderstanding of the United Way's purpose. Let
disabled youngsters train and educate themselves? Let the homebound sick nurse themselves? Let children organize and operate
character-building, educational, and recreational programs? You can go on and on. Our programs are not charity handouts; they are
services to help people who cannot help themselves. While many families use these programs, others consider it like insurance. You
hope you never need these services, but their value is immeasurable if you do
What is United Way of America? It is not the corporate headquarters. It is a national support organization designed to assist local
United Ways across the country. It does not set policies or regulate local United Ways, but provides cost-saving services to the local
United Ways and helps set standards by which all charities should adhere to.
What happened a while back with the United Way guy who took money? Bill Aramony did more to harm local communities
than can be easily measured. In 1992, he was President of United Way of America, a national trade association for 1,400 local United
Ways across America. He was fired and later convicted, along with two other men, of misusing funds for their personal benefit.
Aramony was sent to prison for the maximum sentence of 7 years and was levied a forfeiture of 1.2 million dollars, requiring him to
pay back double the amount he had embezzled. Although Aramony appealed his sentence three times, he was denied three times
and forced to serve out his entire prison sentence along with the other two men. Many people still mistakenly believe that local United
Way’s are chapters of United Way of America. That is not true nor has it ever been true. Donations made in Sumter, Clarendon and
Lee Counties STAY in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties.
United Way of Sumter,
Clarendon & Lee Counties
215 North Washington Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Clarendon & Lee Counties
215 North Washington Street
Sumter, SC 29150