Johns Hopkins Gazette: November 6, 1995


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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Go back to Previous Page

Go to Gazette Homepage