United Way: Fact or Fiction? ----------------------------------------------------------------- Do I have to sign my United Way pledge card if I do not wish to contribute? No. You only need to sign your pledge card if you are requesting a payroll deduction. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Do I need to return my card even though I do not wish to contribute? We would like for you to, but it is not required. Solicitors are requesting that everyone return their pledge cards so that we know an individual has had the opportunity to make an informed decision about contributing. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Is there a givers and nongivers listing that is distributed for senior management's review? No. All donations remain completely confidential with the exception of individuals requesting an acknowledgment for their contribution. Their name is forwarded to the agency; however, no office or home addresses are ever released to the United Way or to an agency. All information is directed to the United Way administrator and then forwarded to departmental addresses in an effort to ensure faculty and staff confidentiality. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Our Hopkins department supports an important health and human welfare cause. Can we apply to become a United Way agency? No. Many departments within the university receive grants and funding from United Way agencies. For example, funding is received from the various foundations that make up the Combined Health Agencies, which is a recognized United Way agency. Examples of CHA agencies are the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Mental Health Association, the Medical Eye Bank of Maryland, the Kidney Foundation of Maryland and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The Johns Hopkins University should not be in direct competition with those agencies from which we receive funding. Therefore, departments within the university should not submit requests to be considered as United Way agencies. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Do I need a receipt for my United Way contribution if I contribute more than $250 by payroll deduction? No. The law, which went into effect Dec. 31, 1993, affects only single contributions of $250 or more, not cumulative contributions_such as the total of weekly payroll contributions. For example, if you donate $10 a week to the JHU United Way campaign, while your yearly contribution would amount to $520, your contribution would not need substantiation. If, however, you send the JHU campaign for United Way a check for $300, you would need a receipt in that amount and documentation that nothing was received in exchange for that single gift. Receipts will be mailed to you automatically. ----------------------------------------------------------------- I do not want my charitable dollars going to support high salaries. On Sept. 14, 1994, a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, issued an indictment against three former United Way of America employees. The United Way of America serves as a trade association supporting its members with national services that include advertising, training, corporate relations, research, networks and governmental relations. The national center does not raise or distribute funds. United Way of America has put in place stringent measures and other controls to ensure that problems associated with former management can never occur again. The United Way of Central Maryland is not, and never was, involved in the investigation. -----------------------------------------------------------------