Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
What does United Way do?
The United Way of Greater St. Louis helps people in 16 Missouri and Illinois counties care for one other. Your donation allows nearly 200 health and human service agencies to serve one million people in our region each year. United Way agencies strengthen families, provide job counseling and training, offer affordable childcare, help the elderly, reduce and prevent health problems, help people overcome disabilities, build safer communities, provide disaster relief, prevent violence and more.
United Way’s community wide fundraising effort is the most efficient way to maintain and improve these services. More than 90 cents of every dollar you contribute goes directly to help people. Less than 10 cents pays for fundraising costs and administration. Money raised in the campaign is used in our region to help your neighbors and your family. Read more.
How does United Way help my own local neighborhood and community?
Our Board of Directors represents 16 Missouri and Illinois counties in our region. Directors from St. Louis City and County, Missouri serve as well as representatives from four Auxiliary Boards:
- Tri-County Division serving St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties in Missouri
- Illinois Division serving St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, and Randolph counties in Illinois
- Tri-Cities Area Division serving Granite City, Madison, Venice, Pontoon Beach and Mitchell in Madison County, Illinois
- Southwest Illinois Division serving Madison, Macoupin, Jersey, Calhoun and Greene counties in Illinois
In addition, Franklin County, Missouri Area United Way in Washington, Missouri has a cooperative agreement with the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Read more.
Contributions
How can I contribute money to United Way?
Thank you for helping someone who needs you. Your employer may conduct a workplace campaign where you can make a contribution each year. If not, please donate online. Or call the United Way at (314) 539-4101 if you would like to set up a campaign in your workplace.
Who decides where my contribution goes?
More than 400 trained United Way community volunteers from our Missouri and Illinois region review each agency’s financial condition, management strength, board composition and results to decide how many dollars to award. General community needs and total available dollars also determine the amount each agency receives. Read more.
Why should I give to United Way rather than directly to an agency?
Community fundraising costs would more than double if every agency had to raise the funds United Way provides. Please support agencies you know, but also consider a “first gift” to United Way for the entire community network of services. It’s impossible to know which agencies your neighbors and family may also need some day. Every year, United Way volunteers decide where your money can do the most good to keep our agency network strong. Read more.
How can I volunteer my time to help others?
The United Way Volunteer Center can help you choose an organization. Visit our Volunteer Center or call (314) 539-4063, or toll free 1-800-VOLUNTEER. Thank you for helping someone who needs you.
What if I feel pressured to give?
Contributions to United Way are voluntary and your personal decision. We do not support any form of pressure on donors to give or requirements regarding how much to give.
Are United Way donations tax-deductible?
United Way of Greater St. Louis is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. As such, donations to the United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances. Donors who contribute $100 or more by check to United Way will receive an acknowledgment from United Way. A copy of the cancelled check and the acknowledgement together act as evidence of a donation for purpose of a tax return. Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for the United Way during their tax year. In the event that goods or services of more than a nominal value are received in exchange for a gift (such as buying an auction item), only the donation in excess of the value of the good or service is considered to be tax deductible. Donors are encouraged to consult their own tax professionals to determine the extent to which their donations are tax-deductible in their own circumstances.
Agencies and getting help
How can I get help from a United Way agency?
United Way has a referral service that will connect you to an agency to help you. Call United Way’s Information & Referral Services at (314) 421-INFO or 1-800-427-4626 in Missouri and Illinois. If you use an AT&T landline, you can also dial 2-1-1. This three-digit dial will be available statewide in early 2008. Your call will be held in strict confidence.
Why do some agencies charge fees for services?
Operating an agency requires more money than United Way and other sources cover. Fees charged by an agency are based on ability to pay. Agencies also help those who cannot pay. That’s why your United Way contribution is so important to so many people.
Why isn’t my favorite agency a United Way member?
Many worthwhile agencies that help people may not meet United Way guidelines. Each agency must apply for admission and go through a formal review process by community volunteers. Some agencies may not want the level of review or restrictions in fundraising that are required by United Way. Others may feel they can raise enough funds on their own.
Administration
Who runs our United Way?
Our United Way is run by volunteers. The Board of Directors of United Way of Greater St. Louis includes volunteers from all parts of the community who provide the governance of the organization. The Board establishes policy and sets the strategic direction that United Way staff implement and follow.
How is our United Way connected to United Way in other cities?
The United Way of Greater St. Louis is independent and self-governing. The money you contribute stays here to help residents in our 16-county region. We are not connected to other United Ways except through “best practices” sharing with United Way of America in Alexandria, Virginia. Our local Board of Directors manages the fundraising and distribution of money raised here and assumes responsibility for the integrity and stewardship of our operations.
How can I contact United Way?
Send us your questions or comments by e-mailing info@stl.unitedway.org. If you need help, please call United Way’s Information & Referral Services at (314) 421-INFO or 1-800-427-4626.