Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What does United Way do?

United Way of Greater Cincinnati builds solutions and aligns systems to help families in our community thrive. We do that by bringing people and organizations together to solve problems holistically, using family input and data-informed solutions.
Our services and solutions focus on quality education, health and basic needs, which are the building blocks to financial sustainability and economic mobility. Like the challenges people face, we view these areas as unique and interconnected, with no one single solution.

What is United Way of Greater Cincinnati's service area?

We serve 10 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana with a population of roughly 1.8 million. Our counties include:
- Hamilton, Brown and Clermont counties and the Middletown/Monroe/ Trenton areas in Butler County in Ohio
- Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky
- Dearborn and Ohio counties in Southeast Indiana

Who oversees United Way of Greater Cincinnati?

United Way is a volunteer-led organization. We are governed by a local Board of Directors who represent every sector and region served.
The Board develops strategic direction with staff and community stakeholders, who then set policies and ensure capable staffing. A staff team of 96 works hand-in-hand with the Board and dozens of other community volunteers.

How is our United Way connected with others?

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is an independent and self-governing member of the United Way Worldwide network.
We meet annual membership requirements and receive benefits such as training, national advertising and public policy support, and we can draw on "best practices" of United Ways throughout the country.

How can I get help for myself or someone I know?

Simply call 211, a free, confidential nonemergency hotline that will connect you to local health and human services. United Way 211 is available 24/7/365 in more than 150 languages.
Our care coordinators connect you with important community services, such as child care, vaccine information, employment assistance, rent and eviction assistance, volunteer opportunities, counseling, food, shelter and more.

GIVING

Why should I give to United Way?

United Way is the way to sustainable change for our community. We respond to families in crisis, support families as they establish stronger foundations, and revitalize systems of support for long-term economic resiliency.
Your gift is combined with thousands of others and invested in many collaborative initiatives and services essential to achieving the goal of helping all families enjoy economic mobility.
United Way has more than 100 years of experience in bringing together social service agencies, governments, businesses, faith-based organizations, donors and more to tackle ingrained, persistent, community-wide problems with holistic, data-informed solutions.

How can I give?

You can donate online at any time or make a gift during your company's annual United Way campaign.
Find other ways you can give.

How much of my donation goes to administrative costs?

For every $1 donated, approximately 85 cents goes back into the community – a ratio that exceeds the Better Business Bureau guidelines.
Administrative costs empower a broad team of experts who ensure effective and efficient United Way operations, supporting corporate relationships, influencing public policy and convening resources to develop solutions to our community’s systemic problems.

Why should I give to United Way instead of directly to an agency or group?

United Way brings together the collective power of resources for solving deep-rooted problems to achieve results no one partner can achieve on its own.
Giving to an agency provides immediate relief to an individual or family, but investing that same money in United Way helps change the system so more in our community thrive.
Some work, we can only do together — as a community. With a gift to United Way, you support the work of identifying patterns, learning and building better systems of support.
If you’re passionate about a specific cause, talk with United Way about opportunities to target your gift to one of our impact areas — education, financial stability, health or basic needs.
When your gift is combined with those from thousands of other generous individuals, United Way can invest substantially in solutions that make meaningful change.

Are United Way donations tax-deductible?

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances. Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their e-pledge receipt or signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for United Way.

What if I feel pressured to give?

Neither United Way nor its volunteers believe people should be forced to give. United Way discourages coercion in any form. Pressure defeats the very idea of voluntary giving. Any semblance of pressure (whether real, implied or perceived) is contradictory to United Way’s operating standards.
If you feel you have been pressured to give in a workplace campaign, please contact your Employee Engagement Leader to express your concern, or contact us.

PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES & SERVICES

How does United Way create impact?

United Way of Greater Cincinnati uses three methods to positively impact the community and make lasting change: funding, community engagement and advocacy.

Funding and social services support:

Now in the fourth year of our current four-year investment cycle, United Way supports 135 agency partners with funding to deliver 205 programs in our region.
Beyond financial support, United Way engages with community partners to drive innovation, build capacity and strengthen systems for long-term change.
United Way funding also provides grants for innovative impact opportunities, targeting our community’s most pressing challenges.
United Way leads several initiatives that support our community directly, including 211 helpline, Free Tax Prep, Success By 6®, Project Lift, Black Empowerment Works, Higher Education Mentoring Initiative and Stable Families.

Community engagement:

United Way intentionally supports grassroots, neighborhood-based, faith-based and community-based partners assisting people with resources and funding where they live, work and worship.
United Way provides opportunities for individuals and groups looking to make a difference through Volunteer Connection.

Policy and advocacy:

United Way develops public-sector support for comprehensive solutions through advocacy and influencing policy that can disrupt outdated systems for sustainable positive change.

How does United Way decide what solutions to support?

United Way staff align on impact and develop accountability standards, often with the input of volunteers for grantmaking efforts. Funding requirements and eligibility are detailed in each request-for-proposal process.
Multi-year funding is contingent upon the partner’s effective delivery of services on an ongoing basis.

What work is United Way doing to ensure racial equity in our community?

Equity and justice have been part of the mission of UWGC, as well as United Way Worldwide, for some time, but we recognize we have work to do.
Equity and justice are at the heart of our mission. Much of the work we do in our hallmark impact areas – quality education, basic needs, financial stability and health – is based on providing equity. We know Black people and other people of color are disproportionately affected in these areas because of historic racism. Systemic racism continues to undermine the foundations of well-being for communities of color by denying access to opportunity and making it more difficult to secure jobs, housing, healthcare, education, nutrition and equal treatment under law.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati unequivocally denounces racism/ethnic discrimination. We are committed to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. We will intentionally and deliberately work to dismantle systemic racism and advance equity in our organization, programming, policies, practices and funding decisions. We will advocate for public policy that promotes equity in our community and nation.
During the initial response phase of the COVID-19 crisis, UWGC consulted with and followed the recommendations of Black-led organizations on where support was needed, and also worked closely with All-In Cincinnati to expand on that list, funding many more Black-led organizations.
Another example of our work includes our Champions of Change program, which engages and brings leaders of the Black community together to tackle problems specific to the Black community. The first cohort of the program resulted in $600,000 in grants to support Black entrepreneurship, and established a model that can be replicated for addressing other challenges in the community.
In 2021, we will choose a new cohort of Champions and issue a second round of funding for organizations in our Black Empowerment Works program, supporting Black entrepreneurs in our community.

How does United Way measure the impact of investments?

United Way is audited each year by an independent accounting firm to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures, regulations and laws.
United Way is a longstanding member of the Better Business Bureau.
As part of its partnership agreements, United Way outlines fiscal accountability standards for each funded agency based on industry-best practices.
Through grant management and relationships with funded partners, United Way established robust processes around financial accountability and reporting.

How can my nonprofit apply for United Way funding?

There are many ways to be engaged in United Way’s community solutions. To learn more about these opportunities, as well as upcoming funding opportunities, contact our Community Impact team or visit our website.

If you need additional information, please email us at UnitedWay.ePledge@uwgc.org.