Frequently Asked Questions
Please click any question below for more information.
What does United Way do?
United Way of Southeast Mississippi addresses needs in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties. United Way provides funds to local, partnering agencies and operates its own programs in four impact areas: education, financial stability, health and support services. This is possible through the work of many dedicated volunteers and generous donations from the community.
Why shouldn’t I just give directly to the agencies?
United Way appreciates and encourages any and all charitable giving, but we do believe there are benefits to giving through United Way. By giving to United Way of Southeast Mississippi, you can help 20 charities with ONE donation. It is an effective, efficient way to help the most people. You are probably a busy person who does not have time to follow up on the impact of your donation. United Way can do that for you. United Way holds its agencies accountable throughout the year to make sure its funding (your donation) is being used to achieve results.
Why does United Way support some agencies but not others?
United Way funds local nonprofit human service agencies in the areas of education, financial stability, health and support services. In some cases, agencies do not receive United Way funding because of their national organization’s policies, because they do not meet all of United Way’s admission standards or because their mission and purpose do not align with United Way’s goals.
How much of what I give actually reaches the local agencies? Do you spend a lot on administrative costs?
According to United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s latest IRS reporting, less than 20% of our expenses were used for administrative costs, such as campaign materials; and over 80% went to agencies and programs. This is HALF of the Better Business Bureau’s recommendation that non-profits have 35% administrative costs. Keep in mind, the administrative expenses are used to keep United Way and its agencies efficient and accountable.
To view the actual amount each partner agencies receives, view United Way’s annual report here.
Does most of my money go to a national organization somewhere?
No. The money that is raised in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties stays in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties. Only 1% of the money raised in the annual campaign goes to United Way Worldwide, and this is not for any national causes or programs. The small fee is paid, so we may have access to national campaigns and use the national logo, national website, national supplies, etc.
What do you mean by United Way funding its “own programs”?
When United Way of Southeast Mississippi sees a need in the community that is not currently being addressed by an existing agency, United Way will step up to take the lead in developing a program to address this need. For example, after Hurricane Katrina, no agency existed to aid the community in long-term recovery, so United Way developed R³SM, Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi, and eventually spun it off as its own agency. United Way currently operates another program, Friends for Financial Freedom, which offers basic financial education classes to individuals who are learning to become financially self-sufficient.
How can my organization participate?
It's easy! Click here for more information or contact our office to speak to someone who would be happy to help.
Is my money just a handout to people who refuse to help themselves?
No. Many of the problems that United Way agencies address know no social or economic boundaries. Things like natural disasters and physical or mental disabilities can affect anyone. Thanks to your contributions, if you or anyone you know is faced with a problem like this, United Way agencies are there to help.
I prefer to give to my favorite charity instead of United Way.
You may designate your United Way gift to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity. However, remember that if everyone designates his or her donation to a favorite charity, a few large agencies might prosper while lesser-known but equally important services would suffer or be eliminated. United Way volunteers evaluate community needs and allocate funds based on agency success. We feel this process is most effective, but designated gifts will be accepted and honored according to United Way’s designation policies.
I already give to my church. Why should I give to United Way?
Most of us have obligations to our faith, but obligations shouldn’t stop there. We also should think about the community where we live and work. Remember, numerous services provided by United Way agencies are not available through religious organizations.
I can't afford to give to United Way.
United Way appreciates any gift, no matter if the amount is large or small. It all adds up to make a difference in someone’s life. What’s important to United Way is participation. If everyone gives and LIVES UNITED, it enhances the community for all of us. Nevertheless, if a person asks for a suggested guideline for giving, many companies still recommend care share giving, which is only one hour’s pay per month.
I don’t believe in being pressured to give to charity.
Neither does United Way. United Way endorses voluntary giving only. We discourage companies in using pressure to persuade employees to give. We simply ask for organizations to educate their employees about United Way and provide them the opportunity to contribute.
How are funds distributed?
With the greatest of care. It’s not easy to become a United Way funded agency. To receive United Way funds, agencies must prove that they are doing the best possible job of meeting significant community needs in one of our impact areas of education, financial stability, health or support services. Volunteers analyze each budget request, visit with each agency and review every program. They investigate each agency’s performance, administration and financial management as well as its responsiveness to community needs.
Who decides where the money goes?
Volunteers do--people like you, who care about our community and its needs. Each year volunteers from our three-county area who make up the funds distribution committee evaluate programs on your behalf. They are as careful with your United Way contribution as you would be. They are not only volunteers, but they are also contributors just like you. They want to find the most effective ways to use their donations.
How do I know my donation is going where it’s needed?
United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s funds distribution committee diligently reviews how our partner agencies use their United Way allocations. Sometimes United Way only funds certain programs of an agency. For instance, with the Boy Scouts of Pine Burr Area Council, United Way of Southeast Mississippi only funds the Scoutreach program. This program provides funds for uniforms, camps, etc. for underprivileged young boys who cannot afford Scouting on their own.
Does United Way support Planned Parenthood?
No. United Way of Southeast Mississippi has never funded Planned Parenthood. In fact, United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s policy is to not fund agencies promoting either side of the abortion issue (pro or con). Each United Way across the country is separate, governed by a local board of directors and funds programs local to its area. We have no connection to agencies funded by United Way in other parts of the country. United Way of Southeast Mississippi funds programs in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties, and Planned Parenthood is not one of them. To see the list of funded agencies, click here.