FAQs
1. Why would I give to United Way when I can give directly to an agency?
The power of your gift, combined with the gifts of others, is far greater than the power of your gift alone. Unless you make a major gift of tens of thousands of dollars, your gift can't fund a program; but when leveraged with the gifts of others through United Way, it can. We give because we want to help those in need. But step back for a moment to see the big picture.
- If you give money to a panhandler on the street, you might help buy a single meal.
- If you donate money to a single agency, you might help to address a single issue.
- If you invest in United Way, your gift supports the combined efforts of a network of programs that provide the most comprehensive care for an individual or family in need, and helps solve a range of community-wide problems such as homelessness, unemployment, and lack of job skills.
2. How do I know the money I give goes to where it's needed most?
When you give to United Way you can be sure that your donation will be invested with due diligence to account for each dollar. Through our Citizen Review Process, all agency funding applications are thoroughly reviewed by trained volunteers who recommend how best to invest our Community Fund resources according to our community's priority needs.
3. How can I be sure my money is going where I direct it to go?
Both an internal and external audit is performed to certify the correctness of our operations.
4. How much of my contribution actually gets to where it is needed?
Thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers and the generosity of many sponsors, United Way of Saskatoon is able to keep fundraising costs at 13% (the national average is 26%).
5. What are the options with the United Way system of giving?
These choices allow you to consolidate all of your charitable giving through United Way.
- Give to the Community Fund and your investment will produce positive, meaningful outcomes today through the Community Investment Process.
- Give to any registered Canadian charity through our Donor Directed Giving Program.
- Give a one-time donation, monthly, quarterly or through your employer's payroll deduction program.
6. Does organized labour support United Way?
Yes. In fact, in Saskatoon, organized labour was a founding partner of United Way. Unions and their members support the United Way community campaign through volunteering and contributing to workplace campaigns, writing endorsement letters and promoting United Way efforts. Locals also host many United Way training events and meetings at their offices.
7. Why aren't all agencies a part of United Way?
Agencies are encouraged to apply for United Way funding, however the number of agencies or programs receiving funds depends on campaign dollars raised. In addition, some agencies choose not to apply for funding.
8. How does United Way protect my privacy? Does United of Saskatoon sell their donor information?
United Way of Saskatoon is committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell or trade donor information. We take every step to ensure the confidentiality of your information is maintained. The information you or your employer provides to us is used to help us in our campaign to process and receipt your donation and respond to any of your information requests. For a full copy of United Way of Saskatoon's privacy policy, please call 975-7700.
9. Why should I give? I never use agency programs.
Your support ensures that you, your loved ones, and your neighbours have help when it is needed. Your gift to United Way is an investment in the quality of life in the community where we live, work, raise our families, and retire. Your donation will reach one in four people in Saskatoon; one of three is a child. Chances are some one you know has benefited from the work of a United Way funded agency. Sometimes, no matter how carefully we plan or how close our family is, a crisis or accident could mean we may need one or more of the United Way agencies to help get back on track.
10. How do I benefit by giving to United Way of Saskatoon?
You can be assured that you are part of a community-wide effort to make life better for all. Your money is invested well and will reach people in need right here in our community. You can feel especially good because you are part of a community-wide effort to make life better by investing in sustainable solutions to the root causes of issues.
