United Way offers answers to commonly asked questions and concerns

The Cornell United Way Campaign organizers encourage staff and faculty to seriously consider pledging money to this year's campaign. The money, which may be deducted from payroll checks for convenience, helps support almost 100 community programs and services of 30 member agencies and 10 community councils. In addition, employees have the option on their pledge cards to donate money to any other human service agency.

Some people are reluctant to contribute because of various concerns. Here the United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) and the cabinet of the Cornell United Way Campaign answer common questions and concerns:

Q: What is the Community Care Fund?

A: Donors can choose to have their tax-deductible gift go to the Community Care Fund. This pool of money is allocated by local volunteers who serve on the Allocations Committee, and your gift is distributed according to community needs. By giving through the Community Care Fund, your gift, combined with others, has the greatest impact on Tompkins County.

Q: How does UWTC decide how much money each member organization receives each year?

A: Allocation volunteers at UWTC decide how the donations are directed to the member organizations. These volunteers are local, community people who have a vested interest in our county. The staff of the member organizations that receive United Way funding design and monitor their programs and services to assure that people with the greatest needs are served. The funded programs and services provided must be financially accountable and have measurable outcomes that can be assessed for their effectiveness.

Q: I don't want to give to UWTC because I don't want any of my donation going to "ABC" organization.

A: A donor may exclude a particular member organization by noting that on the pledge card, and United Way will honor those wishes.

Q: I live in another county. Is it possible to give all or part my donation to the county where I live?

A: The local United Way has an arrangement with United Ways in surrounding counties. If you want your donation sent to that county, you may designate it on the pledge card and they will receive it.

Q: What are the administrative costs at United Way of Tompkins County?

A: The UWTC administrative costs are very low: 14.7 percent of every dollar; that's a reduction from 16 percent last year. Because volunteers do much of the work, 85.3 cents of every dollar collected goes directly to fund member organizations' programs and services. Compare these costs with the National Charities Information Bureau statement that an allocation of 60 cents of every dollar going to programs and services is acceptable.

Every gift counts. By giving through payroll deduction, one or two dollars per pay week can make a positive difference in many peoples' lives. Call United Way of Tompkins County at 272-6286 or e-mail acolt@uwtc.org if you would like additional information.

United Way of Tompkins County is an independent, nonprofit corporation, incorporated and governed by volunteers.