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Frequently Asked Questions


What is United Way of Lancaster County?


United Way of Lancaster County is a local nonprofit organization that brings our community together and focuses resources on the most critical health and human service needs in the county.


By partnering with businesses, individuals, government and other nonprofits, we are able to monitor the needs of our community and respond quickly as issues or opportunities arise. As a convener, collaborator, funder and community leader, United Way of Lancaster County fulfills a unique role in making our community a better place. And thanks to the support of a generous community, we're helping to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for all.


Why should I give to United Way?


When you give to United Way, you help provide solutions to the most critical health and human service needs in our community. You become part of a coordinated, communitywide effort that converts knowledge and understanding into resources and results.


United Way of Lancaster County multiplies and magnifies your gift, allowing you to do more than you ever could alone--giving hope to kids, families, seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals fighting illness or disease. You help the entire community. Plus, with the ease of payroll deduction, you can help others and improve the quality of life in Lancaster County without the financial challenge of a one-time donation.


What does United Way do?


Fundraising is just one part of the value that United Way of Lancaster County brings to our community. By partnering with businesses, government, nonprofit organizations and individuals, we help improve lives and change community conditions. United Way monitors Lancaster County's changing needs and focuses resources to provide quality solutions.


For more details about how United Way is working in our community every day, click here.


Is United Way a national or local organization?


United Way of Lancaster County is a local, autonomous nonprofit organization. Like the more than 1,800 United Ways in 45 countries and territories, we are governed by a local volunteer board of directors.


United Way of Lancaster County pays nominal dues to United Way Worldwide and receives important cost-saving services such as staff training, community research information, campaign products, NFL advertising, and ongoing consultation.


What is United Way Worldwide?


United Way Worldwide, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is the global membership organization for more than 1,300 independent local United Way organizations around the world. Each United Way is autonomous and governed by its own local board of directors. As a member of the national organization, United Way of Lancaster County has access to national research, advertising, training and many other services essential to our operation.


How much of my contribution goes to help people in need?


Because of United Way's volunteer involvement, the greatest part of your dollar possible, 89%, goes directly to help people in our community. With current operating costs (including fundraising and fund distribution) at 11%, contributors to United Way of Lancaster County can take pride in the fact that our total administrative costs continue to be much lower than the national United Way average and far less than half of the 50% figure considered acceptable for charities as recommended by the Better Business Bureau and less than the 40% recommended by the National Charities Information Bureau.


How do I know that my donation will help those who need it most?


More than 70 trained, knowledegable community volunteers carefully invest United Way contributions in local, high-impact programs and services.


They carefully monitor community needs, meet with local health and human service agencies, review each agency's requests for program funding, and invest your contribution in programs that do the most good and help the most people.


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


Health and human services issues facing our community require more than one answer. United Way is the only nonprofit organization that continually assesses the needs of the entire community and developing, funding and identifying a wide range of solutions.


Investments focus on the root of the problem, making long-term, systematic change. United Way of Lancaster County is bringing the community together, building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference.


I am on a tight budget. How can I afford to give more?


There is no minimum pledge for gifts to United Way of Lancaster County, and each contribution makes a difference in someone's life. If your employer offers payroll deduction, you can spread your gift over the coming year - - making it more manageable than a one-time donation. Remember, every gift counts. If a financial gift isn't possible, you may want to consider a gift of time or talent. We welcome volunteers who have the passion, expertise, and resources to get things done.


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