|
Below are the most frequently asked questions about our programs, contributions and services.
What is the mission of Montgomery County United Way?
How much of the money I donate stays in Montgomery County?
Why give to Montgomery County United Way when you can give directly to other agencies?
How are donations distributed?
What are Impact Councils?
What did my 2008 donation allow Montgomery County United Way to achieve in 2009?
Of the monies raised, what percentage goes to administration?
Is my Montgomery County United Way contribution tax deductible?
Why should I give in a tough economy?
My question hasn't been answered. Who can I contact for further questions?
What is the mission of Montgomery County United Way?
Montgomery County United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. “If we can inspire others to take collective action on the root causes of the most compelling issues…then we will make lasting changes in our community conditions and improve people’s lives.” Julie Martineau, President of MCUW
How much of the money I donate stays in Montgomery County?
One hundred percent (100 %) of your donation goes to support Montgomery County non-profits.
Why give to Montgomery County United Way when you can give directly to other agencies?
Here are the TOP 5 reasons to give to Montgomery County United Way:
- Effective Results—MCUW focuses on the county’s most critical issues by bringing all stakeholders together for long term results.
- Local—When you Give here, your investment stays here.
- Accountable—Over 100 local volunteers oversee how your gift is invested.
- Efficient—Only 15.6 out of every dollar goes for administrative overhead.
- Dynamic—When new challenges occur, MCUW adapts with new solutions.
How are donations distributed?
Funding to agencies comes in two streams.
- Strategic Investment volunteers consider applications from funded partners and examine program information, perform site visits and then make recommendations to their respective Impact Councils. The Impact Council chair then presents the council’s recommendations to the Community Impact Committee who in turn seeks approval from the MCUW Board of Directors for funding decisions.
- Donor Designation Process: Donors have the right to choose that their gift goes specifically to the non-profit agency of their choice. They may also choose any of MCUW’s internal programs such as Success By 6, Days of Caring or Hispanic Outreach or one of the three impact areas: Creating Independence, Community Well-Being or Responding to Crisis. Designation forms are available from the donor’s Employee Campaign Coordinator or at mcuw.org.
What are Impact Councils?
Impact Councils are comprised of knowledgeable community volunteers from all sectors who meet and consider our community’s most difficult challenges. They are responsible for the complete management of the funding and advocacy in their impact area
What did my 2008 donation allow Montgomery County United Way to achieve in 2009?
Thanks to donors like you, your 2008 gift allowed Montgomery County United Way and its Funded Partners to improve the lives of 266,619 individuals in Montgomery County. The following are some of the positive outcomes in the lives of those who benefitted from funded programs:
- United Cerebral Palsy equipped 100% of the families with disabled children utilizing their program with the skills to build life-long assets for more financial independence.
- 93% of divorced parents learned healthy co-parenting behaviors to build up the lives of children through Depelchin’s parenting classes.
- 89% of battered women in a Montgomery County Women’s Center shelter reported an increased sense of safety in their lives.
- 67% of clients receiving emergency rent and utility assistance from Montgomery County Emergency Assistance did not seek further help for at least 12 months after the first contact.
Of the monies raised, what percentage goes to administration?
As an organization in the business of community impact we incur costs for fundraising, marketing and common business operations such as accounting, human resources and overall organizational management.
As careful stewards of our investors' contributions to the community, we aim to operate with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness.
87 cents goes directly to programs that improve the lives of people in Montgomery County. Only 13 cents out of every dollar goes toward administrative overhead.
Our overhead is well below the national average: The Better Business Bureau and National Charities Information Bureau guidelines suggest fundraising costs should not exceed 35% and total fundraising and administrative costs should not exceed 50% of total income.
Is my Montgomery County United Way contribution tax deductible?
Yes. Your contribution is tax deductible if you itemize your contributions.
Why should I give in a tough economy?
The needs are increasing for so many individuals and families and that increase is stretching the limits of our local nonprofit community services network. It is critical that those of us who can support the community do so.
My question hasn't been answered. Who can I contact for further questions?
If you need additional information not on our website, please contact Montgomery County United Way at mcuw@mcuw.org
- Campaign (workplace campaigns, forms, packet pick-ups, etc.)
Dale Gray, Director of Fund Development, 281-292-4155, ext. 227
Or Rebecca Hamilton, Campaign Assistant, 281-292-4155, ext. 295
- Community Impact (Agency allocations, designations, impact funding, etc.)
Vicky Shelledy, Director of Community Impact, 936-760-4179, ext. 265
- Finances (tax receipts, deductions, etc.)
Cathy Yowell, Director of Fiscal Services, 281-292-4155, ext. 246
- Marketing and Communications (logo usage, events, public relations, etc.)
Carla Clark, Director of Marketing, 936-760-4179, ext. 229
|
