2008 © Kerr County United Way
Kerr County United Way
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CRITICAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is Kerr County United Way?
Kerr County United Way was incorporated in 1960 as the Kerr County Community Chest. However, its history in fund raising goes further back into the early fifties. City business and civic leaders began the Community Chest as an avenue in which to consolidate the fund raising of various non-profit agencies into one fund drive versus many. Today in Kerr County there are over 200 organizations who have non-profit status.
2. How does my money work when given to the Kerr County United Way?
Money is collected during the height of the campaign season (October through December). That money is promised to local agencies (within Kerr County) that applied for funding assistance through an interview process that takes place with the volunteer board members each year. The money that is collected is paid out to the agencies in quarterly payments beginning January of the following year.
3. How do problems or issues associated with the United Way in other communities affect the policies of Kerr County United Way?
The campaign for Kerr County United Way is managed by a volunteer group of local citizens. All policies and procedures for fundraising and allocation of donations are developed locally. Funds generated in Kerr County stay here and are given directly to the local agencies supported this year. This process ensures that the Kerr County United Way operates in ways that reflect the ethics and concerns of Kerr County and is responsive to the particular needs of our citizens.
4. How much is spent on fundraising?
Because fundraising for the Kerr County United Way is conducted primarily by volunteers, costs are kept to a minimum. Fundraising and administrative costs this year will amount to approximately 15%. Kerr County United Way employs one part-time employee.
5. Does Kerr County United Way meet the most important community needs?
The Kerr County United Way board is comprised of local volunteers who carefully review each of the agencies and organizations that request funding. The review process includes a thorough examination of the applicants’ missions and their abilities to deliver the service for which they are funded. In this way, your contribution dollars are allocated with a view toward providing the widest range of services to people throughout the community who have the greatest needs. Those agencies and a description of what they do is listed in our brochure.
6. Why do some Kerr County United Way agencies charge for services?
These agencies serve all members of the community – rich and poor alike. In most cases, providing all of an agency’s funding from United Way donations would not be practical. Fees, based on ability to pay, represent an important source of revenue to the agency.
7. Why is Kerr County United Way unable to fund all the needs of the agencies?
Approximately 87% of the money raised during the campaign is allocated to the 26 agencies. Obviously, there are greater needs than there is funding available. The allocations to the agencies to meet these needs are determined by the amount of money raised in the campaign. Supplemental fundraising, such as special events and product sales, play an important role in the financial viability of many Kerr County United Way agencies and organizations.
8. What is the amount of the campaign goal this year?
The goal for 2008 - 2009 funding is $275,000. This will assist 24 local agencies.
9. What if the giver objects to a particular agency?
Even though all agencies that receive funds from Kerr County United Way are approved by the board each year, someone may object to one agency or another for personal reasons. In that case, a contributor may make a designated contribution to a particular agency or selected agencies. This is not possible if you are giving through a payroll deduction program that is channeled through another United Way other than our local United Way. We also need that contributor's name and address so that we can let the designated agency know about the special request.
10. Are contributions tax-deductible?
Kerr County United Way is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributors who itemize may deduct contributions.
11. Is Kerr County United Way affiliated with United Way of America?
Kerr County United Way is a member of the United Way of America. The United Way logo is a registered trademark of the United Way of America and in order to use it for our fundraising purposes, we must maintain a membership with United Way of America. It also allows us to participate in employee campaigns, which are held locally through corporate businesses that run annual United Way fundraising campaigns. This allows those who want to contribute monthly or bi-weekly through payroll deduction to participate and do something to help the citizens in their community.
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