Frequently Asked Questions
It Seems everyone is asking for money. How can you be sure the money you give goes to needed services? When the phone rings or someone at your business asks you to contribute, here is a list of questions you may wish to ask.
- How much does the organization keep for operating expenses?
- Does the organization publish an annual report and provide it upon request?
- Does the organization have an active and responsible volunteer governing board?
- Is there a clear statement of purpose, and does the organization's programs and services address that stated purpose?
- Does the organization provide services in your community?
- Who decides how your charitable donation is spent?
How much does the organization keep for operating expenses?
United Way prides itself on keeping administrative costs low. In the last decade our total overhead, including administration, fundraising costs, and pledge loss has fluctuated between 14-17%. The average administrative cost expended by charitable organizations is 30 percent.
Does the organization publish an annual report and provide it upon request?
United Way is happy to provide a detailed annual report certified by an independent accounting firm. You may request a copy via email info@uwbluemt.org or write us at PO Box 1134, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Please be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Does the organization have an active and responsible volunteer governing board?
United Way of the Blue Mountains has an active board of directors made up of a wide cross-section of our communities.
Is there a clear statement of purpose, and does the organization's programs and services address that stated purpose?
United Way's mission is providing leadership, building resources, and improving lives. United Way works to help solve local problems through local partner agencies and other community partners. United Way helps provide services in Columbia and Walla Walla counties WA, and Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties OR.
Does the organization provide services in your community?
United Way of the Blue Mountains is a local organization providing funding to local organizations. For a full list of our partner agencies, please use the link to that webpage.
Who decides how your charitable donation is spent?
Unrestricted dollars given to United Way go through a committee of volunteers who make funding decisions based on community-wide assessment of needs. Donations earmarked for specific health and human care agencies are given directly to those organizations. For a current breakdown of partner agency allocations, please use the link to that webpage.