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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is United Way of the Capital Area?
The United Way of the Capital Area is a non-profit organization that has been raising resources to meet the critical human service needs of Greater Hartford since 1924. It is one of more than 1,400 independent and autonomous United Ways in the United States.
What is United Way of America?
United Way of America is
a national service and training center for the 1,400 autonomous and independent
United Ways across the United States located in Alexandria, Virginia. It makes
no policy decisions for local United Ways.
What is
Community Health Charities of Connecticut?
Founded in 1965, by the Capital Region business community, to provide
Connecticut companies the means to support local health charities. Thirty-eight
years later, Community Health Charities of
Connecticut remains committed to raising funds for and increasing awareness
of its member charities through workplace giving campaigns. Community Health
Charities of Connecticut's federation includes 35 of the nation's premier health
agencies.
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What is the United Way Community Campaign?
The
United Way Community Campaign
is
the most efficient way to raise funds for a wide variety of health and human
service needs in the
40-town region.
How much money does the Community Campaign raise?
In 2003, nearly 70,000 generous individuals and organizations raised more than
$26 million to ensure success for children, strong and healthy families
and thriving communities.
What are the benefits of giving through the United Way Community Campaign?
By making a gift through the Campaign, you can support the programs and services
that are important to you. United Way and Community Health Charities CT along
with knowledgeable, experienced volunteers monitor funded agency programs to
ensure that donations are used efficiently and reach those who need help the
most. By combining your gift with others, you make the greatest impact on our
community. And workplace giving through payroll deduction makes it easy.
Where does the money come from?
In 2003, 76% of the dollars raised came from individuals, while 24% was from
corporations.
Where does the money go?
In 2003, nearly 90¢ out of every dollar was used to fund seven areas of need:
Ensuring Children are Successful, Strengthening Families, Providing Basic Human
Needs, Supporting Older People, Increasing Self Sufficiency, Fostering Healthy
and Safe Neighborhoods, and the 35
Community Health Charities
of
CT.
Can I direct how my gift will help people through the Community Campaign?
The United Way Community Campaign provides donors with the opportunity to direct
their gift to the causes that are important to them.
Through the Community Care donors help ensure the success of
children, healthy and strong families and thriving communities. Community
Care funded health and human service agencies have been visited,
reviewed and required to show results by experienced, knowledgeable volunteers
from our community. Nearly 1 in 3 people in the Capital Region benefit
from your gift -- through Community Care you can reach the entire
community. Community Care is the best choice for donors who
want to provide help for those with the greatest need.
Targeted Care lets you direct your gift to one or more targeted areas of
need: Providing Basic Human Needs, Fostering Healthy and Safe Neighborhoods, Strengthening Families, Nurturing Children and Youth, Supporting Older People, Increasing Self-Sufficiency, Promoting Neighborhood Arts and Heritage, and
Community Health
Charities of Connecticut.
Specific Care affords you the opportunity to direct your contribution to
a qualified not-for-profit organization recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the
Internal Revenue Service.
What are the ways I can give through the United Way Community Campaign?
There are five different ways you can contribute through the United Way Community Campaign:
- Payroll Deduction - Your employer may offer the opportunity to have an amount deducted from your paycheck each pay period.
- Personal Check - Personal checks made payable to the United Way Community Campaign are also accepted.
- Bill at home - We would be happy to send a bill to you on a monthly, quarterly or one time basis.
- Credit Card - Payments are accepted through Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
- Gifts of Stock - Gifts of appreciated stock can fulfill your pledge. Federal law permits taxpayers who itemize to deduct the current value of charitable contributions from their adjusted gross income. Your own tax advisor can provide more information. Please contact United Way’s Finance Department for account information at (860) 493-6811.
How is my gift further multiplied by United Way?
United Way:
- Conducts research determining needs, resources, and trends in our region.
- Offers the Nonprofit Resource and Training Center to assist nonprofit organizations in fund-raising management, board development, grant-writing and other areas.
- Matches volunteers, donated goods, and services with nonprofit organizations in need.
- Trains volunteers including current and potential board members of nonprofit organizations.
- Offers management assistance and training to help nonprofit organizations run more efficiently.
- Tracks human service legislation and fosters cooperation among government, social service agencies, and private citizens in solving problems.
Can I benefit health charities through the Community Campaign?
Yes. In addition to funding many of the Capital Region's finest human service agencies, the United Way Community Campaign also raises money for the
35 local health charities represented by
Community Health Charities
of Connecticut. Community Health Charities
of CT receives at least 20% of the money raised in the Campaign, which is allocated to
35 member and associate charities for treatment, research, education, counseling, support groups, and other health care services. Community Health Charities
of Connecticut is one of 49 affiliates of the Community Health Charities of America.
What does Community Health Charities of Connecticut do besides fund-raising?
Through its Lunch & Learn workplace wellness program, Community Health Charities of Connecticut raises public awareness of many of the most serious, life-threatening and debilitating diseases and illnesses facing Connecticut residents today. Since 1988, Community Health Charities of CT has conducted seminars, screenings and topical seminars in over 400 Connecticut companies, in partnership with its member charities. As a result, companies are better able to contain health benefit costs and employees are empowered to lead healthier, more productive lives, both personally and professionally.
What are United Way Partner
Agencies?
United Way
Partner Agencies
are eligible to receive donor designated gifts through the
United Way Community Campaign. All United Way partner agencies have been
certified for good management, governance and fiscal accountability. Agencies
that receive program funding through Community Care (United Way’s volunteer fund
distribution process) have an icon next to the name of the agency.
Is there a difference between Community Health Charities of Connecticut’s full
member and associate member charities?
Member charities are eligible for designated and undesignated dollars. Funded
programs are monitored by community volunteers to ensure they meet standards.
Associate member charities receive designated funds only.
Community Health Charities of CT
monitors
associate charities, verify the charities’ tax-exempt
status and require charities to meet other Community Health Charities of
Connecticut guidelines.
Will I receive a receipt for my IRS tax returns?
The Community Campaign will send receipts to all applicable donors by February 28,
2005, for those donors who contribute $250 or more at one time. However, if you deposit donor checks directly, the company coordinator will need to send a list
of donors who made a contribution of $250 or more at one time to the Community Campaign office.
Is there recognition for
leadership giving?
Yes. When you make a contribution of $1,000 or more through the United Way
Community Campaign, you are enrolled in our leadership giving program,
The Constitution Society, and
recognized in its membership roster. You will also be placed on our mailing
list to receive periodic updates on how your gift is making a difference in
our community.
What has happened to former United Way of America president William
Aramony?
On June 22, 1995, Aramony was sentenced to seven years in prison as a result of
his April 3, 1995, conviction for conspiracy, fraud, and false tax returns.
Monetary fines were instituted also. The United Way of the Capital Area, like
all United Ways, is independent, separate from United Way of America, and
governed by a local board of directors comprised of local community volunteers.
United Way of the Capital Area maintains strict financial controls.
What is the United Way's Non-Discrimination Policy?
United Way of the Capital Area, as stated in the vision statement for our
community and
organization, values people and recognizes the strength in their diversity.
To that end, United Way of the Capital Area requires every partner agency to affirm that the
agency does not
discriminate in employment practices, provision of services or volunteer-based
services. For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the
non-discrimination policy
click here.
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United Way of the Capital Area
30 Laurel Street
Hartford, CT 06106-1374
Phone: (860) 493-6800
Fax: (860) 493-6809