Frequently Asked Questions What is United Way? United Way is about community impact, not just fundraising. Our focus is to be a community resource as well as to provide funding to our agency programs. United Way of Mahaska County provides strategic initiatives to address emerging community issues that measurably improve the quality of people’s lives. How are the funds used? United Way member agencies provide needed services to our community in 5 key areas: Children, Youth & Families Self-Sufficiency Support for our Seniors Basic Needs Health, Wellness & Coping Skills Who decides how much each agency receives? The Allocation Review Committee evaluates each funding request, reviewing their budgets and financial needs, as well as interviewing representatives from each agency. Based upon the perceived need of all applicants, this committee will recommend the Member Agencies for funding to the United Way Board of Directors. How is the goal determined? The goal is set by the Board of Directors, based on the financial needs of the member agencies as well as the economic climate and capacity of the community to give. How do we know agencies are well run and funds well spent? Each year the Allocation Review Committee examines the agencies’ programs and financial data. They ensure these programs are meeting community needs. In addition, each of these organizations is accountable to its own volunteer Board of Directors that demands similar high standards. How much of each dollar stays here in Mahaska County? Ninety-nine cents of every dollar stays in Mahaska County. Only one cent goes to United Way of America--an association providing training and support services, advertising, and research. Why do some United Way member agencies still raise money? United Way is not able to fully fund the needs of all our member agencies. They must seek other funding opportunities to support their programs. Why do we need United Way? One community-wide annual campaign is more cost-effective and less time-consuming than conducting multiple individual campaigns. Some organizations would simply cease to exist without the support of United Way. Who decides how your gift is invested? You can rely upon local, well-trained community investment volunteers to ensure your generous gift is invested locally to make the greatest impact. These volunteers donate their time and talents reading through applications, interviewing representatives and reviewing financial information. They make it their responsibility to see that your investment reaches the people in our community who really need your help. These volunteers are people like you – donors who want to ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Why should we give to United Way instead of directly to a charity? United Way carefully reviews funded programs to ensure they are producing results and using funds effectively. Unfortunately, gifts directed to a specific charity are not reviewed by United Way, nor do volunteers always follow-up to determine if your contribution is being used effectively. However, when you give to United Way of Mahaska County, you have knowledgeable volunteers watching your gift year-round, assuring a positive impact. When you give to United Way, it is the easiest and most convenient way to help people in our area. When you do something, you like to make it count. United Way makes your caring count and magnifies the impact of your gift, until you’re doing more than you ever knew you could. When you give to United Way of Mahaska County, you and nearly 1,500 other donors come together to support local programs and initiatives that are meeting the most pressing human care needs in Mahaska County.