Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Isn't the United Way one big giant national organization?

Answer: No.  There are over 1,300 separate United Way organizations across the country, with a number of international affiliates.  Each United Way is independently run by its own Board of Directors, with an appropriate staff to handle the day to day operations.  United Way of Sumner County was formed in 1977 and has a formal Board of Directors - all volunteers representing different professions and cities across Sumner County.  United Way currently employs three full-time staff members: a President/CEO, a Campaign Manager and a Finance/Bookkeeper.

Question: What is United Way of America then?

Answer:  United Way of America is basically the trade organization that serves in education and advisory capacity for all of the local United Ways.  United Way of America does not dictate local funding decisions.  In fact, United Way of America does not fund any agencies. Individual United Ways pay a membership fee, based on the size of their fundraising campaign.  United Way of Sumner County pays less than 1% of its campaign total.  In return, United Way receives the right to carry the United Way logo - one of the most recognized in the world; and it receives valuable staff development and training; information; and resources.

Question:  Where does my contribution go?

Answer: Unless you specify otherwise, your gift through the United Way of Sumner County stays in Sumner County and is allocated to qualified partner agencies by local volunteers.

Question: How much of my gift actually goes to help people?

Answer:  A total of 83.1% of every dollar goes to the agencies. United Way of Sumner County's administrative cost currently stands at 16.9%.  However, of that amount, only 10% actually goes to salaries.  The remaining 90% of the administrative cost goes back into the fundraising process (campaign materials, special events, workplace recognition).

Question:  How can I become involved in the United Way?

Answer:  There are many ways in which you can GIVE, ADVOCATE or VOLUNTEER.  You may contribute as an individual directly to the United Way of Sumner County or you may be a contributor through our annual workplace campaigns, if your employer participates.  You may advocate on behalf of the United Way by directing others to our partner agencies, writing a letter to the editor or to a government official on the positive affects that one or more of our agencies is having on Sumner County.  Finally, you can volunteer--- giving some of your free time to a partner agency, at a special event such as Day of Action or serving on a United Way Board, Committee, or Allocation Panel.