How is Rappahannock United Way related to other United Ways?
United Way Worldwide is a membership organization comprised of nearly 1,300 local United Way organizations. Every local United Way is incorporated and governed independently of United Way of America. Local United Ways are autonomous, independent advocates of human needs that exist in their communities. 

Rappahannock United Way pays membership dues to United Way Worldwide every year. The membership dues are 1% of the total dollars raised. The return on investment is that United Way of America strengthens the United Way brand and to advances the missions of local United Ways. United Way Worldwide accomplishes this through the strategies below.

How do I learn more about volunteering in our community?
Rappahannock United Way operates the Volunteer Center for the Fredericksburg area. We maintain a volunteer website that lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities in the area.

How much of my money actually goes to serving those in need?
Rappahannock United Way and our community take pride in the fact that only 16 cents of every dollar pledged provides year-round administration.

How many member agencies does Rappahannock United Way have?
Rappahannock United Way funds 32 partner agencies. We also have numerous non-funding partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, local schools, businesses and government agencies.

What are the focus areas of Rappahannock United Way?
Rappahannock United Way focuses on Education, Income and Health. We believe these are the building blocks to a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health.

I’ve never been helped by an agency. Why should I contribute?
Rappahannock United Way funds programs that support many different types of services. While you may never have received help from one of these services, there are many people in our community who do. It may be your neighbor, a family friend, or the family behind you in line at the grocery store. Strengthening our community means supporting your neighbors. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.

What if I don’t like one of the agencies Rappahannock United Way funds?
All Rappahannock United Way partner agencies provide valuable services to this community. Rappahannock United Way funds agencies based on the impact they make through programs and services--not their popularity. However, if you feel strongly about a particular service area, you may designate your contribution to that area or to the member agency of your choice.

Why doesn’t Rappahannock United Way include all organizations?
Not all agencies want to be a part of a single, community-wide campaign. Certain organizations have policies against joining local United Way campaigns. Rappahannock United Way standards of financial accountability and program services are high. 

I support a favorite charity of my own. Why give to Rappahannock United Way too?
We all have our favorite charities, but the problems of the community are much larger than any one agency can handle. Rappahannock United Way agencies offer a broad mix of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our community. 

Does Rappahannock United Way money support church-related activities?
Rappahannock United Way funds agencies covering a wide range of services, including some that are affiliated with churches. However, all agencies are funded because they meet a critical community need. Rappahannock United Way funds only the service programs, not the religious activities, of these agencies. Services by all Rappahannock United Way agencies are based on need, regardless of age, sex, race, or religion.

I work in Stafford, but I live in another community. Where do I give?
Rappahannock United Way asks that you give where you live. You may still take advantage of payroll deductions at work, just simply designate to the United Way where you reside, and we will distribute your donations to their programs and services. Consider splitting your investment between your home and employment communities.

Are Rappahannock United Way contributions tax deductible?
Yes, for both corporations and individuals. Under current tax laws, individuals can deduct charitable contributions when they itemize.

Why is the campaign goal usually higher each year?
Operating costs of providing needed services increase each year due to several factors: increased numbers of people in the Fredericksburg area requiring the services, public demand for innovative programs, and inflation.

Who decides how my money is spent?
Volunteers—including a friend, neighbor or co-worker of yours may serve on the Citizens Review Panel, which reviews funding requests for participating Rappahannock United Way member agencies. These volunteers scrutinize budgets, make site visits, talk to agency staff and volunteers, and then recommend which agencies should be funded and the level of funding they should receive.

What if I can’t afford to give?
Living costs are high but most of us can afford something. Just 33 cents a day amounts to $120.00 a year. If you have payroll deductions that’s only $2.30 a week. 

Giving is just not an option. How else can I support Rappahannock United Way?
There are a variety of ways one may support the Rappahannock United Way. We offer hundreds of local volunteering opportunities; so there really is something for everyone. We also ask that everyone acts as an advocate on our behalf and informs those around them of our programs and the long-lasting changes we are making in this community.