What's New
Go to Bat for United Way with the South Bend Silver Hawks!
Old Way, United Way: Watch the Campaign Video
Find out about United Way's Prescription Drug Discount Card.
Dial 2-1-1 for Help With Food, Counseling, Employment, Health Care, Support Groups, Housing & Shelter, Legal Aid, Clothing, Education, and More
Mission & Values
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the United Way of America?
- Why should I give to United Way and not directly to my charity of choice?
- How do I know my dollars will be well-spent?
- Is my gift too small to matter?
- How do I know my gift stays local?
- What is your overhead?
Q. What is United Way of America?
A. United Way of America is a trade organization for local United Ways . They provide services such as staff and volunteer training, research assistance, national advertising and materials at a discount. The United Way of St. Joseph County is independent and autonomous from the United Way of America organization. About 1% of what is raised in St. Joseph County is paid to United Way of America for use of the logo and access to the above mentioned services. Each United Way makes all of its decisions at a local level. The money raised here stays here in St. Joseph County focusing on what matters in our local community.
Q. Why should I give to United Way and not directly to my charity of choice?
A. When you contribute to United Way, you help more than one person or one charity. United Way is the collective power of people working toward long-term solutions, not short-term fixes. With the tremendous amount of need and increasing number of programs trying to address them, it can be very confusing to decide where your donation will make the biggest impact. When you give to United Way , we act for you, the donor. Community research and ongoing surveys track the needs of the community and the various community programs, set goals, and make the allocation decisions every year ensuring that your donation is being focused on what matters most in our community. If you are interested in learning more about this process or volunteering yourself, please contact the United Way office at 574-232-8201.
Q. How do I know my dollars will be well spent?
A. Local volunteers and United Way staff not only make sure your donation stays here, but also make sure that your dollars are well spent.
Quarterly reports focused on probram outcomes ensure that agencies are moving their clients towards self-sufficiency. For the past three years, your United Way has had an unblemished report.
Q. Is my gift too small to matter?
A. A contribution to United Way , no matter how much, is vital to the community and the best way to give. Even a gift of as little as $1 per week can help.
Q. What is your overhead?
A. At United Way of St. Joseph County , our overhead is 21.7%. This includes the 9.71%% for office operation and 12.01% for the cost of running our local campaign.
We are very proud of our low overhead. According to the government, a non-profit organization should be 50% or less overhead. According to the Better Business Bureau, you should be making sure you are giving to organizations that have a 30% or less overhead. So, at 21.7%, we are very proud of the significant changes we make in the community with very little overhead.
Another way to look at it is that our overhead is $.217 of every dollar donated. For that $.217, you get a lot as a donor. You get the insurance that each program that receives your money is being evaluated to ensure they are being fiscally responsible. You are receiving outcomes from your gift each year to help illustrate what your gift is accomplishing. Finally, last year United Way of St. Joseph County brought in over $500,000 into St. Joseph County through grants and initiatives, which more than covers that overhead and pays above and beyond in our community.