1. What is United Way? The United Way is a locally incorporated, nonprofit organization that is the single largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in our community. United Way dollars support more than fifteen (15) health and human service programs addressing community problems in Hardin County.
2. Why do people give to United Way? Quite simply, most people give to help others. In a workplace survey, this reason was mentioned three times more often than any other. They also give because they know a gift through United Way’s Community Care Fund has the added value of the citizens’ review process. Through this process, each agency is evaluated annually by knowledgeable volunteers who recommend allocation of funds based on a wide variety of factors. Those factors include responsiveness to community needs, service quality impact, client satisfaction, and their financial condition.
3. Who are the volunteer United Way board members? They are your neighbors, friends and co-workers.
4. How does United Way decide who gets my money? How do I know my money is going to make a difference?
Money is allocated by the Board of Directors; however, donors may designate to a specific United Way funded agency. Every United Way funded program must meet high standards of quality and efficiency. At the end of each annual campaign, volunteers from all walks of life study the needs of the community and determine where contributions can best impact the community. All United Way recipients have a review of their budgets, participate in an on- site agency visit and are monitored to assure high quality. As donors to United Way of Hardin County themselves, our partners are active participants of the United Way, striving to make a difference in Hardin County. You can help, you can call the United Way office at 419-675-1860 to donate or volunteer your time.
5. What kind of standards are United Way agencies held to? Each agency funded by the United Way of Hardin County must:
6. I never used United Way services, so why should I give? You never know when you, a member of your family or a neighbor may need a United Way service. Job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, family problems associated with growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available when they are needed. Anyone who has been involved in scouting, participated in a YMCA program, or experienced a disaster has been served by the United Way.
7. My employer is not located in Hardin County. When we have our United Way drive, how can I make sure my donation goes to Hardin County's United Way? Just mark Hardin County on your payroll deduction form. We do the same for residents of other counties who work in Hardin County but want to contribute to another area. We understand the desire to support the agencies in the area where you live. Feel free to call our office if you have any questions. The number is 419-675-1860.
8. What is the advantage of a payroll deduction gift verses a one-time contribution? The payroll deduction benefits offered by the United Way allows for convenient giving on an installment basis in any amount. Often larger gifts are possible because giving is taking place incrementally.
9. Can I designate my donation to a specific United Way agency? Yes. United Way recognizes that some donors would like to direct their gift to a specific agency listed in the United Way brochure. Funds directed in this manner are sent directly to each agency along with the agency's United Way allocation.
10. I always receive solicitations from other charities and organizations, so why should I give to United Way? United Way invests your donation in well-managed programs that change lives and strengthen families within your community. Giving to United Way enables you to support a broad range of human service programs with one contribution. If you are giving through work, the convenience of payroll deduction allows you to spread your payments over the course of an entire year.
11. Isn't United Way just another charity? Most charities have a single cause for which they seek funding. United Way supports a wide variety of causes. We not only help people with the problems you are most concerned about, but also assess community needs and work with businesses and community groups to improve existing services and create new ones.
12. Why do agencies still have fund raisers when they are funded by the United Way? United Way of Hardin County funds programs provided by nonprofit health and human service agencies. United Way usually funds a portion necessary for these programs. Agencies must continue to raise funds from various other sources to support their ongoing activities.
13. If my employer does not offer payroll deduction for United Way and I didn't get a letter requesting a donation, how can I donate to the United Way? Either call the United Way office at 419-675-1860 or click the Give Now button on this page.
14. Is giving to United Way voluntary? Yes! Giving to United Way is a personal decision and should be strictly voluntary. United Way prefers that donors give from their heart. Education about how United Way Programs are making a difference in our community is the best way to encourage contributions.
15. How is United Way accountable? United Way’s own operating budget and distribution of funds are audited by a Certified Public Accountant. All of the United Way's actions are approved by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to oversee the running of the organization.
16. Is United Way a local or national organization? While we are affiliated with a national service and training organization, United Way of Hardin County is a local, autonomous organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. While each United Way must meet basic organizational standards, each is separated and independent from others United Ways in the country.
2. Why do people give to United Way? Quite simply, most people give to help others. In a workplace survey, this reason was mentioned three times more often than any other. They also give because they know a gift through United Way’s Community Care Fund has the added value of the citizens’ review process. Through this process, each agency is evaluated annually by knowledgeable volunteers who recommend allocation of funds based on a wide variety of factors. Those factors include responsiveness to community needs, service quality impact, client satisfaction, and their financial condition.
3. Who are the volunteer United Way board members? They are your neighbors, friends and co-workers.
- Teresa Styer, President
- Angela Newland, Vice President
- Jessi Davis, Treasurer
- Shannon Larrabee, Secretary
- Jack McBride, Past President
- Adam Moore
- Donna Bragg
- Jade Hale
- Jim Whitaker
- Jordan Temple
- Kate Wingfield
- Laurie Laird
- Meghan Violet
- Remie Longbrake
- Tyler Kindred
- Martha Nau, Executive Director
- Jennifer Hattery, Executive Assistant
4. How does United Way decide who gets my money? How do I know my money is going to make a difference?
Money is allocated by the Board of Directors; however, donors may designate to a specific United Way funded agency. Every United Way funded program must meet high standards of quality and efficiency. At the end of each annual campaign, volunteers from all walks of life study the needs of the community and determine where contributions can best impact the community. All United Way recipients have a review of their budgets, participate in an on- site agency visit and are monitored to assure high quality. As donors to United Way of Hardin County themselves, our partners are active participants of the United Way, striving to make a difference in Hardin County. You can help, you can call the United Way office at 419-675-1860 to donate or volunteer your time.
5. What kind of standards are United Way agencies held to? Each agency funded by the United Way of Hardin County must:
- Be recognized by the IRS as a 501©3 organization
- Be governed by a volunteer board
- Provide programs that address an identified need in our community
- Be audited annually
- Annually present their budget, program and projected results to a panel of community volunteers
- Operate at a reasonable cost
6. I never used United Way services, so why should I give? You never know when you, a member of your family or a neighbor may need a United Way service. Job loss, illness, loss of a loved one, family problems associated with growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available when they are needed. Anyone who has been involved in scouting, participated in a YMCA program, or experienced a disaster has been served by the United Way.
7. My employer is not located in Hardin County. When we have our United Way drive, how can I make sure my donation goes to Hardin County's United Way? Just mark Hardin County on your payroll deduction form. We do the same for residents of other counties who work in Hardin County but want to contribute to another area. We understand the desire to support the agencies in the area where you live. Feel free to call our office if you have any questions. The number is 419-675-1860.
8. What is the advantage of a payroll deduction gift verses a one-time contribution? The payroll deduction benefits offered by the United Way allows for convenient giving on an installment basis in any amount. Often larger gifts are possible because giving is taking place incrementally.
9. Can I designate my donation to a specific United Way agency? Yes. United Way recognizes that some donors would like to direct their gift to a specific agency listed in the United Way brochure. Funds directed in this manner are sent directly to each agency along with the agency's United Way allocation.
10. I always receive solicitations from other charities and organizations, so why should I give to United Way? United Way invests your donation in well-managed programs that change lives and strengthen families within your community. Giving to United Way enables you to support a broad range of human service programs with one contribution. If you are giving through work, the convenience of payroll deduction allows you to spread your payments over the course of an entire year.
11. Isn't United Way just another charity? Most charities have a single cause for which they seek funding. United Way supports a wide variety of causes. We not only help people with the problems you are most concerned about, but also assess community needs and work with businesses and community groups to improve existing services and create new ones.
12. Why do agencies still have fund raisers when they are funded by the United Way? United Way of Hardin County funds programs provided by nonprofit health and human service agencies. United Way usually funds a portion necessary for these programs. Agencies must continue to raise funds from various other sources to support their ongoing activities.
13. If my employer does not offer payroll deduction for United Way and I didn't get a letter requesting a donation, how can I donate to the United Way? Either call the United Way office at 419-675-1860 or click the Give Now button on this page.
14. Is giving to United Way voluntary? Yes! Giving to United Way is a personal decision and should be strictly voluntary. United Way prefers that donors give from their heart. Education about how United Way Programs are making a difference in our community is the best way to encourage contributions.
15. How is United Way accountable? United Way’s own operating budget and distribution of funds are audited by a Certified Public Accountant. All of the United Way's actions are approved by a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to oversee the running of the organization.
16. Is United Way a local or national organization? While we are affiliated with a national service and training organization, United Way of Hardin County is a local, autonomous organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. While each United Way must meet basic organizational standards, each is separated and independent from others United Ways in the country.