FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I choose the United Way Community Care Fund?
Because the Community Care Fund is the best way that we, as a community, can address the issues that affect us all. Contributions are invested in three focus areas identified as keys to a strong community: education, income and health.
Volunteers work hard to ensure that only the programs that demonstrate a measurable impact on people’s lives are trusted with these United Way dollars – making our community stronger, safer and healthier.
Will United Way still let me give directly to my favorite charity?
Yes. You can designate your gift to a specific health and human service, nonprofit agency in Maine. But it’s also important that we, as a community, use our collective strength to address community problems. It is through the Community Care Fund that we have an opportunity to address a shared set of concerns.
Does United Way send a lot of money to its National Office?
United Way of Greater Portland is a member of United Way Worldwide and pays dues equal to approximately 1% of the amount we raise during our annual campaign. United Way Worldwide is a national organization that functions much like a trade association and provides support to help local United Ways. Some of the membership benefits include: training credits, materials discounts, market reports, fund-raising reports and data, access to national organizations with coordinated fund-raising, staff and volunteer training programs and group purchasing discounts.
Does United Way support religious agencies?
There are some religiously affiliated organizations that provide human care programs. United Way policy prohibits the direct support of churches but does support church-sponsored organizations that are providing social services.
If I designate my pledge to a specific agency, will it be counted against that agency during the allocations process?
Community investment panels are not given designation information when they make their funding decisions. However, because a designated dollar can only be spent on that particular agency, it decreases the total Community Care Fund, thus decreasing the total allocations to all agencies.
How do I volunteer?
There are many, many organization, from school programs to parks and recreation and community ed programs, that need volunteers. An easy way to find volunteer opportunities here in the Greater Portland area, in other parts of Maine and even other states, is through liveunitedportland.org/volunteer. A simple worksheet will let you access many opportunities online.
How do I advocate?
We all advocate informally when we talk about what’s important to us. With United Way, you can also do a bit of formal advocacy by speaking out on issues that affect the whole community. Look for our position papers under ADVOCATE on our website.
Why should I give if many of my coworkers live outside of Greater Portland?
Families who live in rural areas in Cumberland County can have trouble accessing services where they live. Services are also available where you work. People go to great lengths to access needed services. If employees live outside of Cumberland County, they can direct their gifts to United Ways serving their own communities through United Way’s Specific Care program.
How do I know United Way is financially accountable for its actions?
United Way of Greater Portland is an independent organization serving the people of our community. We are committed to being the most efficient and effective community builder possible, while upholding high standards of professionalism, accountability and ethics.
Our organization is accountable for its actions by working with committed volunteer leaders in our community, developing and implementing fair and thoughtful policies, and having our books audited every year by a local, independent firm. This ensures that our financial statements are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. We strive to meet the philanthropic goals of the Greater Portland community by being fair, honest and effective. To view our most recent annual report please click here. To view our audited financial statements, click here.
What if I’m afraid to commit to a pledge because of the economy?
There is no question that people are nervous about the economy, and yet, there is also no question that the need is greater than ever. As people sit down to make their pledge this year, we hope they will remember the thousands of people who need their help. A contribution, whether it’s $1 a week or a Leaders’ Circle gift of $1,000 per year, will be a valuable gift to the Greater Portland community. With everyone doing a little bit to help, we can keep our community healthy and thriving.