FAQs

1. What does the United Way of Huntington County do?

For almost 50 years, this locally-controlled non-profit organization has acted as a fundraiser for human service causes in Huntington County, Indiana. Today, United Way of Huntington County continues to strive to create a stronger, healthier community for everyone. The organization currently raises money for its partner agencies' programs. It now plays an expanded role, as a community-builder. In partnership with business, government, and other nonprofit groups, United Way gets people talking about big issues that affect the whole community – and helps gather resources and connect the people to bring about change. Working together, in a united way, we can all do more than we could by ourselves. 

2. Who makes the decisions for the United Way of Huntington County?

UWHC is a volunteer-driven organization. Its board of directors is composed of knowledgeable community leaders, all of whom live and/or work in Huntington County. The board establishes policy and allocates resources to assure that the United Way of Huntington County is properly managed.

3. Is the United Way of Huntington County controlled by its national organization, the United Way Worldwide?

No. United Way of Huntington County is an autonomous local organization. All funding policies and decisions are made by local volunteers. The organization receives services from United Way Worldwide, a trade organization that assists more than 1,100 local United Ways with market research information, licenses use of the United Way logo, and helps cultivate relationships with major national employers as well as the National Football League (NFL).

4. Does the money United Way of Huntington County raise stay in Huntington County?

 Aside from dues paid to its state and national organizations, 99 percent of all funds raised stay right here in Huntington County. 

5. Does the United Way provide the services it funds? 

 No. United Way raises money on behalf of its partner agencies which actually provide the services to those in need in Huntington County.

6. Who decides how much money goes to each program or service?

 People just like you! Trained volunteers work on committees called Allocation Panels, which study human problems and the best way to remedy them. Those volunteer groups identify programs that will help our community reach those goals and make recommendations on funding. They can even recommend partnerships or changes in policies that should be adopted based on those goals. United Way's board of directors makes final funding decisions.

7. How can I become a volunteer?

United Way and its partner agencies have many volunteer opportunities available.

8. I don't like feeling pressured to give.

 We believe strongly that giving is a personal choice. In fact, we encourage peer solicitation and employee meetings specifically to avoid the possibility of coercion and to give interested individuals the opportunity to be both informed about, and involved in, our mission. Any pressure is contradictory to our operating principles. If you feel pressured to give, we recommend you discuss your discomfort with your coordinator.

9. I never use the agency services. Why should I give?

You may not need help from United Way programs today, but you or someone you care about may need them in the future. United Way-funded programs help people deal with problems and issues every day. Those issues may affect not only an individual, but also perhaps others around them – family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. You could be one of those people. Your financial and volunteer support ensures that help is available.

10. I don't live in Huntington County. Why should I give?

 You can choose to designate your gift to any non-profit organization which holds a 501 (C) 3, a charitable designation assigned by the Federal government. United Way of Huntington County can send your gift to any such organization in the United States.

11. The United Way of Huntington County funds programs at an agency I don't like.  

The campaign raises funds for partner agencies' programs , all judged important by volunteers serving on allocation panels. These programs serve a wide range of human needs, such as emergency shelter. If you feel strongly about directing your gift, we suggest you use the Designation portion of the pledge card to designate to services you most want to support. Your gift will be separated from the community allocation process – shrinking the pool of funds available for distribution by the volunteer panels – and forwarded to the agencies you have chosen.