How is the Rappahannock United Way related to other United Ways across the country?

United Way of America 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 UWA 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.  UWA accomplishes this through the strategies below.

1. Providing networking and training opportunities to United Way staff members
2. Enhancing the United Way brand identity, currently valued at $34 billion

• National Ad Council Partnership (national advertising valued a $90 million)
• NFL partnership (national advertising valued at $40 million annually)
• Positioning United Way as a global brand and a global system of philanthropy

1. Conducting national consumer research and monitoring national trends
2. Deepening corporate partner relationships
3. Building knowledge i.e. best practice and peer learning
4. Creating opportunities to nurture System professional talent and careers
5. Advancing technology strategically
6. Organizing initiatives and resources to increase customer loyalty

How do I learn more about volunteering in our community?
Rappahannock United Way is 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 15 cents of every dollar pledged provides year-round administration.

How many member agencies does Rappahannock United Way have?
Rappahannock United Way has 35 member agencies. We also have numerous 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 help.

I’ve never been helped by an agency.  Why should I contribute?
While many of the services provided by Rappahannock United Way fund programs for the poor, the hungry, and those in needs, there are agencies that provide other necessary community services.  We support the character-building programs of the Boy and Girl Scouts,  the family support of Hospice, and the emergency services provided by the American Red Cross and Rappahannock Emergency Medical Services Council.

What if I don’t like one of the agencies your United Way funds?
All of United Way agencies provide valuable services to this community.  An agency’s membership in United Way is based on programs and services it provides and not its 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 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.  Some agencies would like to have the United Way seal of approval but don’t quite measure up.

I support a favorite charity of my own.  Why give to 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 United Way money support church-related activities?
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.  United way funds only the service programs, not the religious activities, of these agencies.  Services by all 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?
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 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 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 the 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. To learn more about our programs and volunteering opportunities, please visit us online at www.rappahannockunitedway.org.