Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the United Way of Gaston County?
Your local United Way is run by a volunteer board of directors comprised of community leaders, experts and others interested in creating community solutions.
Are United Way contributions tax-deductible?
Yes. However, there may be certain limitations. Donors should consult with their financial advisor for details.
How can I give if I do not work in a company running a United Way drive?
If you do not have access to the United Way of Gaston County through your work, you can still give by calling 704-864-4554 or make an on-line gift right here through the website.
Why should I give to United Way and not directly to an agency of my choice?
The United Way ensures that an individual's total needs are met, instead of addressing only one part of the problem. Your United Way works diligently to get to the root causes of problems in our community. Your investment in the United Way gives smaller local agencies the advantage of fundraising while freeing up their limited staff to focus on providing services. You can designate an agency of choice through your gift to the United Way, if you prefer.
If I need help, who can I call?
Simply call 2-1-1 or 704-864-4554 for answers.
How do I find agencies that need help so I can volunteer?
Almost all agencies are eager for volunteers. You can find volunteer opportunities listed on our website, or watch the local newspaper for opportunities.
How much of my gift goes directly to helping people?
86.5 cents out of every donor dollar pledged goes directly to helping people in need right here in our community.
Why do I see "United Way Agencies" doing their own fundraising?
Technically, your United Way does not fund "agencies", it funds programs. In this way, United Way can ensure that donors' gifts are going directly to important services that help people, not capital projects or overhead costs. Individual agencies must do separate fundraising to cover those expenses. Funding through United Way can increase the credibility of agencies, making it easier for them to win foundation, state, and federal grants.
Will the money I give to United Way go outside the community?
No. The money raised in Gaston County stays in Gaston County unless the donor request that it be sent to another United Way. Your local United Way does pay annual dues to United Way of America, the trade association for United Ways, and also to United Way of North Carolina, the state trade association. Those dues - -which amount to about one cent of every dollar pledged are used to help underwrite the costs of the United Way/NFL television spots, help defray the costs of marketing materials that our local United Way uses, and support training for United Way staff.
Who decides where the money goes?
People like you, community volunteers, experts, and agency representatives work together to identify community needs, reduce duplication of services, and help close the gaps to make our community the best it can be.
How much of each contribution is spent on administrative costs?
Only 16.3 cents out of every dollar pledged covers administrative costs. It's an investment well made when you consider that nationally accepted maximum limits for non-profit overhead costs vary from 40 percent to 50 percent. The Philanthropic Advisory Service of the Council of Better Business Bureaus sets the maximum permissible rate for overhead costs at non-profit organizations at 50 percent. The National Charities Information Bureau sets the rate at 40 percent. View our most recent IRS Form 990
Does United Way of America set policy for our local United Way?
No. Every decision at your United Way is made locally for the benefit of our community.
How does United Way pay for its events?
Sponsorships defrays the cost.
What if I don't like one of the agencies that United Way supports?
You can specify which United Way agency or agencies will receive your gift by designating your gift.