Greater Twin Cities United Way: Improving Lives, Strengthening Communities
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Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: 8/18/08

If you don't see your question listed below, please call our Donor Information Line: 651-290-4590.

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Agency Funding / Financials

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What is United Way?

United Way is a nonprofit, 503(c) agency that brings people and communities together to advance the common good by creating a better life for us all.

Our mission is to unite caring people in building stronger communities by inspiring people to help others, increasing resources to meet needs and fostering innovative solutions to problems.

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Who do you help?

Our programs help people in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties.

Also, during local disaster relief situations, we work in partnership with United Ways that cover other Minnesota counties.

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 Who runs United Way?

Our staff works with knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers who represent the diversity of our community to carry out the planning and implementation of United Way functions.

  • A volunteer board of directors sets policy and strategic direction.
  • Various volunteer committees oversee financial practices and provide counsel on operational issues.

Our volunteer network is a key reason why our administrative and fund-raising costs are among the lowest of any nonprofit.  More of your contribution goes directly to help people.

Our president and CEO is Lauren A. Segal.

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Are United Ways related?

No.  There are 1,400 community-based United Ways across the country. And each is separately incorporated and independently governed by local volunteers.

  • Contributions raised in our nine-county service area stay here.
  • Decisions on which programs to fund and partnerships to pursue are made here.

Though not related, sometimes United Ways coordinate local and national disaster relief efforts, like in the case of Hurricane Katrina.

United Way of America has no input on how we invest contributions in our community. In exchange for guidance, training and development services, local United Ways, including ours, make a voluntary membership investment in United Way of America (less than 1 percent of each contributed dollar; less than a penny per dollar).

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How old is United Way?

United Way of Minneapolis Area was formed in 1915 and United Way of the St. Paul Area was formed in 1920.  The two United Ways merged in February 2001 and became Greater Twin Cities United Way.  More history.

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What's your focus?

Our Agenda for Lasting Change focuses on 10 measurable goals in three impact areas to help us address the community's most pressing needs.

These areas are: Meeting Basic Needs, Nurturing Children and Families, and Supporting Health and Independence.  All of our partner programs and initiatives support our focus areas.

In order to achieve lasting change, we have expanded our toolbox beyond funding high-quality programs in community agencies, to include the following five strategies:

  • Redesign systems
  • Coordinate multi-sector partnerships
  • Educate policymakers
  • Invest in targeted programs
  • Engage volunteers in significant ways

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Who decides which programs you fund?

Knowledgeable volunteers from our community carefully screen and select the programs funded by your contribution. Their recommendations are reviewed and approved by our volunteer board of directors.  After selection, these programs are monitored to ensure they produce positive, measurable results.

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Does United Way fund the Boy Scouts?

Yes. We currently fund the Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council, which operates highly effective youth programs for kids in our area. They also work within an atmosphere of nondiscrimination that is consistent with United Way's strong commitment to valuing diversity.

We recognize that the debate regarding Boy Scouts, both locally and nationally, will continue for some time. United Way volunteers will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with the Boy Scout council to ensure that programming remains consistent with United Way's philosophy.

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How much is used for "overhead"?

Our administrative and fund-raising costs, including staff salaries, represent approximately 12 percent of contributions. Most of every dollar you contribute goes to initiatives and programs that help people and build a stronger community.

According to Charities Review Council of Minnesota, a nonprofit is using contributions responsibly if overhead is limited to 30 percent or less of total donations. Other watchdog groups use 40 percent as an acceptable standard.

Our low overhead percent is due to us leveraging volunteers and other community resources to keep our staff small, keep costs low and put more of your gift to work helping people and preserving our quality of life. In addition:

  • A volunteer Human Resources Committee develops and manages staff performance and compensation systems.
  • A volunteer Executive Compensation Committee specifically addresses the president's compensation. The committee's salary standards are based on the skills required to run a highly effective and efficient United Way.
  • Other volunteer committees oversee other aspects of our operation, making sure your contributions are being maximized to help our community.

United Way has received the Charities Review Council of Minnesota's "Meets All Standards" seal for meeting all 16 of the Council's Accountability Standards.

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How much money was raised last year?

Thanks to our generous community, over $89.5 million in resources was generated in 2007 to strengthen the Twin Cities region.  More financials.

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How can my agency become a United Way agency?

Agencies interested in United Way funding can send an e-mail to CIOP@unitedwaytwincities.org.

We'll contact the agency and, if applicable, the agency’s information is placed in a database. We'll let the agency know when a funding opportunity becomes available for new agencies and new programs.

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I don't benefit so why should I give?

We all win when:

  • Children succeed in school
  • Families are financially stable
  • People have good health

You, a family member, friend or coworker may have already used the services of United Way partner agencies without realizing it. It takes everyone working together to create a brighter future.

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How is my donation used?

We partner with other nonprofits in programs that have measurable goals and results, ensuring your money is being used wisely.  Our partner programs are reviewed annually for results and to make sure they are on track. Also, we are governed by community volunteers who set policies and oversee our financial practices.

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How do I give to United Way?

  • You can give online by credit card.
  • You can mail a check to:
    Greater Twin Cities United Way
    404 South 8th Street
    Minneapolis, MN 55404

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What other giving options do I have?

You can also give:

There are many different giving programs with different giving levels. 

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Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. And even if you don't itemize on your tax return, you can take a deduction.

Non-itemizing Minnesota taxpayers can deduct 50 percent of charitable contributions exceeding $500. To learn more about this law, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

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What's the difference between United Way and other nonprofits?

Giving to a specific charity usually supports a single cause.

When you give to United Way, your gift is combined with others' gifts to solve our community's most pressing needs through the Agenda for Lasting Change.

Together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own.

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What positive changes do you make?

Last year, thanks to donors like you:

  • 4,700+ children ages 5 and under received dental services through United Way Bright Smiles.
  • 360,000+ referrals were made to people in need of food, job training, childcare, counseling and more through our community help line United Way 2-1-1.
  • 4.8 million additional pounds of food were collected for local food shelves.

Find services and results in your county.

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 How do I volunteer?

Hundreds of volunteer opportunities are available every day in all nine counties. You can search in a variety of ways—by location, by agency or even type of project. Choose a one-time project or an ongoing one.  There's a volunteer project sure to match your preferences.

To get started, just create a login and sign into United Way Caring Connection.

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 Where can I go for help?

To use United Way services, just dial 2-1-1 from any land line.  Cell phone users can call 651-291-0211.

United Way 2-1-1™ can connect you to over 40,000 community resources—from job training programs and childcare to counseling services and financial assistance. Staffed by trained professionals, this free, confidential help line is available 24/7.

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What jobs are available at United Way?

All available jobs are located in our Employment section.  Most positions are full-time regular, but we occassionally have part-time, contract and seasonal positions, like loaned executives.

We also have many internal event volunteer and intern positions available throughout the year.

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How do I find the United Way in my community?

There are over 1,400 United Ways across the country.  Greater Twin Cities United Way helps people in Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott and western Washington counties.

To find the United Way that serves your zip code, please visit United Way of America's Website.

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