Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is United Way of Lake County a national or local organization?
United Way of Lake County is a local, independent non-profit organization. This is the beauty of United Way neighbors helping neighbors at the local level. Although each of the more than 1,300 United Ways throughout our country operates independently, they each pay a small membership fee to United Way of America. In exchange, United Way of America ensures fiscal responsibility and consistent quality standards for all member organizations.
2. How much of my contribution stays in Lake County?
Only ~½ ¢ of each dollar donated goes to United Way of America for membership fees. The rest of your gift, 99.4%, stays right here in Lake County (or in the community you designate).
3. How much of my contribution really helps people in need?
Approximately 81% of the dollars collected by United Way of Lake County are used to fund programs in our community. At the agencies, your donations cannot be used for program overhead. In other words, your donation must be used for direct program services to our neighbors in need.
4. Would it be better to give my charitable donation directly to an agency?
As part of the United Way campaign, you can choose to help by designating a specific 501(c)(3) Health & Human Services Agency. If your focus is on the whole community, tackling new and emerging needs and funding programs that solve community-wide problems, then a gift directly to United Way is more appropriate.
5. Who makes the decisions about which programs are funded by my contribution?
Solution Panels, comprised of community volunteers, meet monthly to study the on-going and critical emerging needs in Lake County. These Solution Panels produce a “road map” for funding priorities. Evaluation and Investment volunteers study the specific funding requests from each program and make final funding decisions. You too can volunteer to be a part of this process!
6. How does United Way of Lake County protect against fiscal irregularities?
As required by Sarbanes-Oxley Laws, our United Way is required to undergo an independent fiscal audit annually. In addition, the United Way of America imposes additional strict guidelines for the 1,300 member United Ways across our nation.
7. How many Lake County agencies and programs are funded with my donation?
In Lake County alone you help fund 70 programs that are managed daily by 49 agencies/organizations.
8. What is the number of people that received help in Lake County last year?
In 2009, our Lake County neighbors used services provided through United Way of Lake County agencies approximately 155,000 times. In some instances, these services changed lives.
9. Where can someone turn to find help for a specific question or problem?
Dial 2-1-1. This health and human services telephone helpline is a 24-hour, 7-days per week information and referral service for our community. 2-1-1 received more than 35,000 calls for food assistance, teen issues, aging parent problems and other life issues. When you don’t know where to turn for advice or help, dial 2-1-1.
10. Where can I learn more about United Way of Lake County?
You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter: www.uwlc.org.You also can visit www.charitynavigator.org to learn more about United Way and other nonprofit organizations.
