United Way answers to commonly asked questions

The Cornell United Way Campaign is up and running. Volunteers around campus are encouraging staff and faculty to pledge money, which may be deducted from payroll checks for convenience and will go toward Cornell's goal this year of $550,000.

The money raised supports numerous community programs and services for 29 member agencies and 10 community councils. In all, the local United Way member agencies provide more than 100 community programs. This year, United Way has received a challenge grant from a generous donor; all new dollars raised will be matched on a one-to-one basis, up to $150,000.

Yet, some people are reluctant to contribute because of concerns about where their contributions go. Here, LeNorman Strong, Cornell assistant vice president for student and academic services and this year's chair of Cornell United Way Campaign, tries to answer the most commonly asked questions and concerns. If you have other questions, check out the new United Way web site at www.sws.cornell.edu/CUW/ or contact the United Way at 272-6286 or by e-mail at acolt@uwtc.org.

Why should I give to United Way when it will take some of my donation for administrative costs?

I was concerned about United Way's administrative costs myself until I found out that United Way of Tompkins County's administrative costs are, in fact, very low. Because volunteers do so much of the work, more than 84 cents of every dollar collected goes to agencies' services. Compare our low fund raising and administrative costs with the National Charities Information Bureau acceptable administrative cost of 40 percent.

Why should I give to United Way when I don't want any of my money going to one of its member agencies?

This is not a problem. You may exclude any or as many particular agencies as you wish when you pledge your contribution and United Way will honor your wishes. You may also direct your money specifically to a particular agency (or several agencies) as you wish on your pledge card. In a future article, we will detail how these donor designations work.

I live in another county. Shouldn't I just give my charitable contributions in my own county?

Your interest in helping people in your home community is appreciated. United Way has an arrangement with United Ways in surrounding counties. If you want your money sent to another area, just indicate your wishes on your pledge card and the United Way you designate will receive it.

Why should I give to the United Way when your member agencies charge fees?

Even though United Way raises a great amount of money, it never could raise enough to fully support all services for all people. Don't you feel you would want to pay for services if you could? That's why those who can afford to pay for all or part of the services are asked to do so according to their ability.

I pledged my donation to a specific agency last year, and I never received a confirmation letter. Does that mean the agency didn't get it?

No. United Way tracks all donor designations to ensure that your dollars reach the agency of your choice. You need to check a box on your pledge card requesting that your gift be acknowledged by the member agency or community council.

I work for a living and pay my own way. None of these agencies help me or my family, so why should I support them?

No family or individual in Tompkins County is totally untouched by the work of United Way member agencies. Many of us benefit directly -- and all indirectly. There are many people who, at some point in their lives, are unable to help themselves. They need our helping hand.

How can the United Way afford all that expensive advertising, locally and nationally (such as the NFL)?

National spots are provided at no cost to United Way by the NFL. Radio, television and newspapers are great supporters of United Way and often provide free time and space.

Several United Way member agencies are in the process of making building improvements. I don't think United Way funds should pay for this.

United Way funds are not used for brick and mortar but are targeted for program operations. If any agency needs improvements for its facility, a capital campaign drive is developed separately from United Way.

Why should I give when I feel pressured?

United Way has a written policy against coercion. It states that giving is strictly a personal decision. When an organization or individual pressures anyone, that defeats the very idea of voluntary giving. Giving should come from the heart; we are not trying to pressure you ... we are just asking.

Please explain the relationship between the United Way of Tompkins County and the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council, is an eligible member agency for the 2000 United Way Campaign. After careful consideration, the board of directors of the United Way of Tompkins County has determined that it will honor its funding commitment to the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts Council through the 2000 campaign and fund distribution cycle. After that, the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts Council will no longer receive allocations from the United Way Community Fund, and its agency membership will be terminated unless its policies and practices are consistent with United Way of Tompkins County's nondiscrimination policy.