...getting questions answered

What is United Way of Southeastern Idaho?

United Way of Southeastern Idaho is a local organization that conducts an annual fund-raising campaign to provide needed health, youth and human-services to Southeastern Idaho.

Twenty-six local nonprofit organizations depend on United Way of Southeastern Idaho to raise money for critical programs that provide real solution to community problems. In fact, United Way of Southeastern Idaho is the largest funder of health and human service after the government.

We work with government, businesses and other service organizations to leverage local resources and multiply the impact of every dollar. United Way of Southeastern Idaho provides leadership to ensure the most important health and human service needs are met.

United Way of Southeastern Idaho is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of 30 local citizens, seven of which are newly elected each year. Each serves a three-year term.

There are three paid staff members employed by the United Way of Southeastern Idaho: Margaret Ganyo, Executive Director, Cathy Brey, Success By 6 Director, and Lara Morris, Administrative Assistant.

Why is United Way of Southeastern Idaho a member of United Way of America?

United Way of Southeastern Idaho became a member of United Way of America in 1987. United Way of America is a service organization for local United Ways. They provide excellent training, the latest legislative information, market research, commitments at the corporate level of national companies to conduct United Way campaigns at their facilities throughout the United States, group insurance plans and technical support. Membership fees to the United Way of America are only .75% (less than 1%) of pledges.

Our local United Way of Southeastern Idaho is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. This board makes all local policies and decisions. Donations stay in Southeastern Idaho. You can see your donations at work all around you mentoring youth, counseling for at-risk families, and disaster readiness.

What about the cost of administration and fund-raising?

United Way of Southeastern Idaho is able to return an impressive 93 cents of each dollar it receives to the community. Less than 7 cents out each dollar goes toward administrative costs, which includes our United Way of American membership dues and fund-raising costs. This figure is well below the Better Business Bureau guideline of 35 percent for charities.

Giving to United way of Southeastern Idaho is effective. Among charitable organizations, United Way of Southeastern Idaho stands out because be raise funds efficiently. Our overhead costs are low. Our standards are high. We put more of your money to work, so when you give, you can fell great about making a difference.

How can United Way of Southeastern Idaho keep administrative costs so low?

United Way of Southeastern Idaho is fortunate to have hundreds of volunteers who give unselfishly of their time and talent to this community-wide fundraising effort. Many generous local businesses donate goods and services to United Way of Southeastern Idaho.

How are member agencies selected?

Any health, youth, or welfare agency may apply for funding. Each organization or agency receiving United Way of Southeastern Idaho funds must be a non-profit organization with a volunteer governing board; each must have its finances audited annually by an independent accounting firm; provide a needed service at a reasonable cost and have a policy of non-discrimination.

Each year United Way of Southeastern Idaho publicizes that funding requests are being accepted and then distributes applications to those agencies and organizations requesting funding for the following year. The fund distribution process involving over 70 local volunteers represents a board cross section of the Southeast Idaho. They make an extensive evaluation of the agencies including interviews and on-site inspections. Not one dime is distributed without rigorous review.

The Allocation Committee members then compile this information and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the amount to be allocated to each of the agencies.

Does organized labor support United Way of Southeastern Idaho?

In 1946, forerunner organizations of the AFL-CIO and the United Way of America signed an agreement of cooperation between the United Way movement and organized labor. The cooperative relationship that developed has endured for more than 50 years. Labor is represented on the United Way of Southeastern Idaho Board of Directors.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

If you itemize your taxes, your entire United Way of Southeastern Idaho contribution is a charitable tax deduction as no products or services are given in return for your gift.

Do some United Way agencies solicit on their own?

Yes, some agencies do conduct fund drives. Some youth summer camps are financed by candy or cookie sales. Some agencies conduct limited membership drives and, occasionally they raise money for new buildings or other expansions. All such solicitations are subject to approval of United Way of Southeastern Idaho.

I don't like agency "X"….

It's natural that people will prefer one agency over another. But a well rounded program of services is essential to community well being. Sound planning, realistic budgeting and efficient administration will bring the best returns from the contributor's dollar.

As in the past, you can request that your pledge be designated to a certain area or agency of your preference.

Why does United Way raise money for youth programs when fees are charged for participating in some of their activities?

Fees paid to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Boys and Girls do not begin to cover actual costs of these programs. United Way of Southeastern Idaho makes up the difference in the full cost of programs and provides services to those who cannot afford to pay. The entire community benefits from the citizenship and character building programs offered by these youth programs.

Why aren't all charitable fund-raising campaigns included in the United Way effort?

Any nonprofit, charitable group may apply for inclusion in the United Way of Southeastern Idaho. However, some agencies are forbidden by their national organization from doing so.

Why didn't my friend get help when he needed it?

If you receive a complaint about a United Way agency, please get the facts and contact United Way of Southeastern Idaho at 232-1389. Misunderstandings sometimes arise-people needing help often don't know which way to turn.

Everything is costing more and more--I just won't be able to give this year!

As the cost of living rises, so does the cost of meeting the needs in the community. When the economy is down, the demand for services rises and this creates an additional burden. We all have plenty of nickels, dimes and quarters that we spend on things we don't really need. Just a small amount each working day or week helps.

There are critical needs among people in our community that must be met. Services provided by the 21 United Way of Southeastern Idaho agencies reach into every neighborhood, to every age group, across all income levels, to help in a thousand ways: a friend, a relative, someone down the street who is ill, or out of work, or in trouble. Chances are, United Way of Southeastern Idaho helps someone you know.

I don't believe in United Way of Southeastern Idaho!

Do you really mean you don't believe in helping those less fortunate than yourself, that you'd like someone else to carry your share of the responsibility? What if your family needed help? One out of every four people in Southeast Idaho is helped by agencies which could not exist if it were not for United Way. Maybe someday, it will be you.