Q. What specific area does
United Way of
Central Maryland serve?
A. United Way of Central Maryland serves
Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll,
Harford and Howard counties.
Q. How does United Way address the community's
needs?
A. United Way volunteers work with other local
service groups to assess the needs in our community. After
studying these needs, volunteers employ a priority system
that helps them determine which programs and services to
fund and at what level. They also monitor United Way-funded
services on a year-round basis to ensure the community's
money is spent wisely.
Q. Why should I give through payroll
deduction?
A. Payroll deduction is the easiest way to
contribute, and it helps United Way keep administrative
costs low, so nearly all of your contribution goes to help
people in need.
Q. How do I know my money is going to people
who really need help?
A. Local volunteers review programs for quality
and effectiveness. Volunteer involvement keeps United Way
of Central Maryland efficient and accountable.
Q. How much is spent on campaign costs and
overhead?
A. A force of volunteer workers helps keep
United Way of Central Maryland's overhead extremely low,
making it one of the most cost-effective charitable
organizations to which you can contribute. In fact, by
offering e-pledging, United Way of Central Maryland is able
to ensure that 85.5 cents of every dollar goes directly to
local agencies providing help to those who need it the
most.
Q. My spouse gives to United Way ... why
should I?
A. A gift from every person is important, and
every person has a different reason for giving. In
addition, a combined gift of $1,000 or more from you and
your spouse makes you both eligible for the Leadership
Society of Central Maryland and the many benefits that come
with membership. Don't forget that both of your gifts are
tax-deductible.
Q. Can I select just one agency to receive my
contribution?
A. While the Community Safety Net is the best
way to support the most people in need, United Way of
Central Maryland does offer the option of donating to
specific agencies (see agency directory). It also will
accept donations to specific nonprofits, as long as they
have missions of health and human service and are located
in Central Maryland.
Q. I can't afford to give much more than a
dollar or two a week. Can I really make a difference with
my gift?
A. Every gift is important, no matter the size.
When your gift is combined with nearly 200,000 other gifts
in our community, it really adds up. As jobs change and
salaries grow, we hope that people will consider giving
back to our community by increasing their gifts. The needs
in our community have never been greater than they are
today.