Of Charlotte County
The United Way
Through a vast network of volunteers and local charities, local United Way
organizations throughout America help meet the health and human-care needs
of millions of people every day. United Way's 108-year history is built on
the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own
communities.
The United Way system includes approximately 2,000 community-based United
Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and
governed by local volunteers.
Through a single community-wide campaign, local United Way volunteers raise
funds to support local agency service providers. In total, voluntary
contributions to United Ways support approximately 45,000 agencies and
chapters, helping millions of people from all walks of life and income
groups. Apart from government, United Ways support the greatest variety of
health and human services in the country.
United Way volunteers raised $3.148 billion in 1995, which was used for
human services ranging from disaster relief, emergency food and shelter and
crisis intervention to day care, physical rehabilitation and youth
development.
United Way volunteers ensure that every group receiving funds is a
nonprofit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers; and that it submits to
an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable
cost and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.
Because of the vast network of volunteers and the simplicity of corporate
payroll deduction, administrative expenses for the largest United Ways
average 13 percent of all funds raised. This low figure compares favorably
with the suggested Better Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent.
During United Ways' extensive annual citizen-review process, local
experienced volunteers assess community needs and determine how to
distribute funds so that donors know their money is battling the most
pressing community issues and reaching the people who are most in need.
United Way of America is the national service and training center,
supporting its members with national services that include advertising,
training, corporate relations, research, networks and government relations.
The national center does not raise or distribute funds. United Way of
America is governed by a volunteer board consisting of up to 45 members. The
first national service center was established in 1918.
The United Way In
Charlotte County
In 1965, a community volunteer began investigating the feasibility and need
for a United Way in Charlotte County. Over the next year, with the
encouragement of community businesses, support was rallied and in February
1966 the United Way of Charlotte County was incorporated
As a community grows, so do its needs. Every day in Charlotte County there
are people living lives filled with darkness & despair. Even in the best of
circumstances life can be challenging. Add a disability, personal tragedy or
a job loss and it can be overwhelming.
For these people, United Way and United Way funded organizations are the
lifeline making possible the programs that help them overcome adversity and
take control of their lives.
It is a simple idea. Each year United Way runs a campaign. When you give
through the campaign, United Way funds a network of non-profit organizations
that provide critical services to those in need. These organizations are the
heartbeat of the United Way system putting your dollars to work building
productive lives. Each organization in which the United Way invests is a
non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers, and submits to an
annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost,
and maintains a policy of non-discrimination.
Each year hundreds of volunteers donate their time to help raise money,
allowing more of your donation to reach the partners funded by the United
Way. With your contribution, United Way partners continue their strong
commitment to serving families, senior citizens, the disabled, children, and
many others. While you may not need United Way services, it’s important to
know that they are available if you, your family, or friends and neighbors
need them.
It is only natural to want to help when we see someone in need. But deciding
the best way to do it isn’t always easy. That is why United Way makes so
much sense. United Way is a local organization dedicated to leading the way
in making a measurable impact in the community. It invests in the programs
and services that strengthen the ability of local service providers in
building a coalition around a set of community priorities and measures its
success based on community impact.
First, United Way is extremely efficient and keeps overhead costs to a
minimum. Second, the United Way is independent, separately incorporated and
governed by local volunteers. Third, trained volunteers select the
organizations to be funded and then make sure donor dollars are well spent.
Fourth, the money raised here in Charlotte County stays in Charlotte County
to meet urgent community needs.
To receive funding from United Way,
an organization must meet the following standards:
