Misconceptions can sometimes cloud a person's decision-making process; what they thought to be true is not necessarily fact.
We invite you to learn more about our organization and our mission, and our vision for the communities we serve.
As always, if you have any additional questions that you would like answered, please do not hesitate to contact us.
River Valley United Way is part of a network of nearly 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories. As the largest privately funded nonprofit in the world, it is important to keep in mind that even though we have the backing of a much larger organization, our funding decisions are made locally and must fit with our areas of focus: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
We are pleased to address some of the most popular “urban legends”:
“Why does United Way encourage companies to demand 100% participation from employees? (that old 'why are people forced to give’, ‘fair share’ thing).”
River Valley United Way does not in any way encourage (and actively discourages) companies to demand 100% participation from their employees. We feel it is totally up to the individual to give (or not give). It is our responsibility to explain our vision and mission and to provide success stories to potential donors so that they feel good and confident that whatever their contribution, it will make a difference in the communities where they live, work, and play. We believe some companies feel strongly about the difference that United Way can make in a community, and ultimately, their intentions are good.
“I’m not allowed to designate my contribution to the organization of my choice.”
Of course you can! There are three options:
Option 1 is to contribute to the River Valley United Way Community Impact Fund, which provides the broadest use of your contribution. If you have a particular passion, such as youth or helping people become self-sufficient, or perhaps mental health
Option 2 is a wonderful way to have your contribution earmarked for one of our areas of focus: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, or Community Resiliency.
Option 3 covers designations to funded partner agencies that meet our designation eligibility requirements. Each partner agency must provide the appropriate financial documentation to verify that they are financially stable and have the proper non-profit designation. They must also agree to report back on a semi-annual basis the impact that these designated funds have had on the communities we serve. River Valley United Way is concerned with transparently measuring results to prove the value of your contribution.
“Why don't you fund more programs for the elderly?”
River Valley United Way historically has not received many proposals for elder programs, but as with all funding requests, we would certainly consider allocating funds to programs that assist the elderly as long as those programs fall within our focus areas.
“I am not donating to your organization because you fund Planned Parenthood, and they perform abortions.”
River Valley United Way has never funded Planned Parenthood. However, to be specific, we do not fund any agency; we fund programs within our partnering agencies. In many communities, prenatal classes are only offered by Planned Parenthood, and there may be United Way’s from other areas that fund a program of that type. River Valley United Way has never funded any program offered by Planned Parenthood.
“You do/don’t fund Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, and I agree/disagree with some of their decisions regarding scout leadership.”
River Valley United Way has funded programs offered by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the past. Most recently, neither Girl Scouts nor Boy Scouts have requested to be considered for program funding, and as such, we are not currently providing any funding to them. However, if a funding request is received that meets our qualifications, funding could be considered in the future.
We welcome additional questions.
