Welcome to Heartland United Way

F.A.Q.

Anit Coercion Policy

F.A.Q.

WHY HEARTLAND UNITED WAY?
Every dollar you contribute goes to work in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties served by Heartland United Way agencies. You can choose where you want your caring to count the most.

HOW CAN I GIVE TO HEARTLAND UNITED WAY?
It’s convenient and easy. Just decide how much you want to give and sign the pledge card. You can donate by payroll deduction, cash or credit card, you choose. You can also donate online at www.heartlanduway.com. Your donation will be then sent on to the people who need it most.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE?
Giving to Heartland United Way is optional and the amount you give is a personal decision. Many give one hour’s pay each month. Others donate a percent of their salary. Every gift has an impact and is an investment in your community.

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY DONATIONS?
Once the campaign is completed, a group of community volunteers, like yourself, assess community needs and identify solutions. Community volunteers visit each agency to determine areas of greatest need. If you designate your gift, it will go directly to the agency chosen.

HOW MUCH MONEY GOES TO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS?
Less than 5% of the total money raised is spent on administrative cost.

HOW MUCH OF MY MONEY IS SPENT ON HEARTLAND UNITED WAY FUND RAISING?
Only about 7 cents of each dollar you pledge is used for fundraising. United Way is recognized nationally as one of the most effective, cost-efficient charitable fund raising organizations - and we are very proud of this!

I FEEL LIKE I’M BEING PRESSURED TO GIVE TO THE HEARTLAND UNITED WAY.
No one should be pressured into giving. Heartland United Way understands that making the decision to give is personal. The best, most responsive giving comes voluntarily, from informed contributors. We abide by the United Way of America’s Anti-Coercion Policy.

I PREFER TO GIVE TO MY FAVORITE CHARITY.
You may choose where you want your gift to go. The important part of giving is that you feel good about your choice and want to help improve the lives of people in the Heartland Area.

I RESENT EVERYBODY ASKING ME FOR MONEY.
This is understandable. Many years ago, when Heartland United Way was first formed, its mission was to combine fund drives into "one ask." However, today, Heartland United Way often represents less than 40% of participating agency budgets, and each work very hard to meet their financial needs. When you give to Heartland United Way, you make the greatest impact because your gift will be shared with 16 different agencies; each meeting a critical community need.

WHY AREN’T ALL AGENCIES INCLUDED IN THE HEARTLAND UNITED WAY?
Annually, Heartland United Way encourages applications from all responsible nonprofit health and human service organizations, but cannot always immediately accept new agencies for funding. Community volunteers review applicant programs to make certain they meet critical community needs and adhere to acceptable standards of performance. However, some agencies can not meet United Way membership standards, while others follow national policies that require they operate independently. Still others are not admitted because their programs closely resemble or duplicate existing programs available to the population being served.

HOW DOES UNITED WAY DECIDE WHERE THE MONEY GOES?
United Way volunteers, with the support of community research, distribute contributions locally, based on priority needs and with concern for well-rounded community programming. Each year almost 50-75 volunteers, representing all segments of our community, evaluate agency budgets and services. These volunteers, through their evaluation determine areas of greatest need. Agency services, financial records, program effectiveness and measurable outcomes are closely evaluated. Recommendations for funding are then prioritized and voted upon by the Heartland United Way Board of Directors.

WHY DO SOME HEARTLAND UNITED WAY AGENCIES CHARGE FEES?
Some agencies charge fees for service. Such fees are usually scaled to reflect consideration of the individual's ability to pay. This sliding scale makes it possible to stretch your Heartland United Way dollars and allow many more people to receive help. While some services may be limited due to funds available, no one is refused service because of an inability to pay.

I DON’T NEED TO GIVE BECAUSE MY SPOUSE GIVES WHERE HE/SHE WORKS.
That’s great that your husband/wife supports the Heartland United Way. But as an individual, your gift is also important. When your spouse gives, that's based on his/her salary. We ask that you consider doing the same, as an individual, by making a contribution based on your salary.

HEARTLAND UNITED WAY SUPPORTS AN AGENCY I DO NOT LIKE.
During 2005, nearly 60,000 people benefited from the Heartland United Way. Please try to think of the larger good for the community. The Heartland United Way campaign supports 16 agencies that provide more than 50 vital programs for the sick, the disabled, the elderly, the homeless, the poor, and people in crisis, as well as programs to promote wellness, education, literacy, scouting, activities for youth and senior services.

DOES UNITED WAY FUND . . . ?
Pro-Life/Pro-Choice: No contributions to this United Way are being distributed in support of an organization or agency whose mission is to actively lobby for Pro-Life or Pro-Choice positions.
Abortions: No local United Way funds are used by or distributed to an organization, which performs abortions.
Planned Parenthood: No local United Way funds are distributed to the Planned Parenthood organization.

DOES MY MONEY GO AS HANDOUTS TO PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO HELP THEMSELVES?
No. Most of the problems Heartland United Way agencies address know no social or economic boundaries. Mental illness, stress, marital problems, developmental disabilities, alcoholism and drug abuse can affect anyone. And thanks to your contributions, if you or anyone you know is ever faced with a problem, like this, Heartland United Way agencies are there to help.

I PREFER TO GIVE ON A NATIONAL LEVEL FOR A BIGGER PURPOSE.
That's wonderful, but there are also vital needs right here in your own community. The Heartland United Way campaign is an opportunity for us to give back a little to the community, which has given us so much.

I VOLUNTEER – THAT’S MY CONTRIBUTION.
Thank you for supporting the Heartland United Way and investing in your community through volunteering. In order to continue to provide service to the entire community, the agencies also need your financial support.

I CAN’T AFFORD TO GIVE.
Only you can decide if you can or cannot afford to support the Heartland United Way agency programs and services. Even a small amount each pay period through payroll deduction can add up to a substantial contribution.

Did you know that a contribution of . . .
$10 a week provides
• a night of shelter and personal advocacy for a person escaping domestic violence.
• two months shelter, food, support services and basic needs to a single parent.

$7 a week provides
• a health exam for a person not able to pay for healthcare.
• a homeless family of four with two weeks of temporary shelter.

$5 a week provides
• one month’s deposit to secure housing for a family whose home was destroyed by fire.
• follow-up medical care for a sexual assault victim.

$2 a week provides
• a box of #120 alcohol swabs for 52 diabetic patients.
• financial assistance for 14 girls to attend summer camp.
• Education materials and workshops.

IS MY CONTRIBUTION SPENT ON CAMPAIGN LUNCHEONS AND DINNERS?
No. Meals at meetings are paid for by volunteers out of their own pockets or by corporate sponsors who underwrite the cost.

CAN I DESIGNATE MY PLEDGE TO BE GIVEN TO ONLY ONE OR TWO AGENCIES?
Yes. Designations are accepted for Heartland United Way-member agencies, 501(c)(3) non-profit health/human service organizations and other United Ways.

DOES DONOR DESIGNATION REALY WORK?
Yes it does. By designating your contribution, you ensure the charity you select receives funding. A designation to an agency is given over and above the allocation received by United Way.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY?
You work here -- and Heartland United Way services are available to anyone who lives or works here. You also have the option of designating your pledge to a United Way in another community or another non-profit, health and human service agency.

I NEVER USE AGENCY SERVICES, WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
The strength of a community is directly influenced by the health, happiness and well being of its residents. Everyday Heartland United Way supported agencies and programs are helping people -- your friends, co-workers and neighbors -- deal with many health and human service problems. Your continuing financial and volunteer support assures that help is there for everyone when it is needed. While you or your family may not need help from United Way agencies today, you or someone you care about may need United Way services in the future.

I’VE HEARD OF SOMEONE WHO DIDN’T RECEIVE HELP WHEN IT WAS NEEDED.
Sometimes, these reports arise from a misunderstanding or second-hand information. Some agencies cannot offer a specific service requested and may refer the person to another agency. Some agencies are forced to put people on waiting lists because of limited resources. Although we may not know the facts pertaining to each circumstance, we do whatever possible to clarify the situation.

WHY DID THE SALVATION ARMY END ITS AFFILIATION WITH THE HEARTLAND UNITED WAY?
The financial needs of The Salvation Army had increased at a rate greater than what the Heartland United Way was able to meet. Heartland United Way and The Salvation Army continue to have a strong conviction for the efforts of each agency and wish success for the future on behalf of the people of Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties.

UNITED WAY POLICY AGAINST COERCION

United Ways understand that fund-raising success depends on how much potential donors know and understand the organizations seeking support. Fund-raising should always be conducted in a voluntary manner; coercion creates animosity, hinders communication and understanding and eventually leads to decreased support.

For years United Ways have been concerned about the use of undue pressure in fund-raising and are opposed to any type of coercion. Any semblance of pressure - whether real, implied or perceived - is contradictory to the operating standards of United Way. United Ways continually try to prevent the use of coercion in their campaigns by encouraging peer solicitation, rather than solicitation of employees by managers. In addition, United Ways conduct training programs for fund-raisers that stress information and education, and discourage the practice of seeking 100 percent participation in a campaign, as that may inadvertently encourage coercion.

To underscore their conviction about this policy, United Way of America’s Board of Governors adopted the following policy statement:

The Board of Governors of United Way of America believes that the most responsive contributors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. A well-planned campaign with an effective communications program, conducted by committed volunteers, will ensure responsive contributors. While we have always been unalterably opposed to coercion, we do recognize a responsibility to state our beliefs formally, as freedom of choice is a basic tenet of our democratic society.

Giving is a personal matter and decision; no form of coercion is acceptable to United Way of America.