The allocations process
Since 1922, our United Way has been helping people in the St. Louis region. When you donate to United Way, you can be assured that your contribution will be used wisely and efficiently to help people. Our community investment process works to ensure that every program we fund is well managed and getting results. See the agencies we fund.
Raising funds
The people of our region are among the most generous in the nation. We are the 18th largest United Way in the country based on population, but 6th largest in dollars raised through the United Way — proof that people here truly care about each other.
Each year, the community raises tens of millions of dollars to help those in need. In 2009, we raised $67.08 million. About 65 percent of those funds are raised through workplace campaigns. Employees pledge to give a little out of each paycheck. Another 32 percent is raised through corporate donations. The remaining 3 percent is given by individuals or through special gifts.
Community Investment Panels
More than 400 community volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of more than 200,000 contributors from across our bi-state region. These volunteers determine how to award contributor dollars to agencies to benefit the greatest number of people. Annually, United Way volunteers review each agency in four performance areas, then they strategically invest funding to achieve the best results.
Every attempt is made to represent the diversity of our region: race, gender, age, profession and area of residence. Click here to learn more about becoming an allocations panel volunteer.