A local volunteer Board of Directors comprised of individuals representing a cross section of the community governs the operations of our United Way. The Board sets and monitors policies, reviews the budget and ensures United Way’s accountability to all donors.

United Way Worldwide sets a general direction for the United Way system. Membership standards ensure local United Ways are transparent, financially accountable and meet legal requirements for nonprofits. United Way Worldwide provides services such as research, training and public policy to local United Ways.

United Way is committed to maintaining a low administrative cost. United Way’s administrative and fundraising percentage is 16%, which means $.84 of every dollar you give goes directly to the programs and services offered by United Way and our Funded Partners. It is important to keep in mind that community work requires technology, human capital and resources, all of which our administrative costs cover. According to the Better Business Bureau the acceptable standard for nonprofits is 35%.

A local volunteer Finance Committee and the Board of Directors review United Way’s administrative expenses quarterly and an independent accounting firm audits United Way annually.

United Way depends on a team of trained, cross-sector, diverse volunteers to make funding investment decisions. The Community Impact Cabinet oversees the funding strategy and makes fund distribution recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Community Impact Cabinet also assesses applications, reviews Funded Partner progress reports, and ensures the fiscal stability of any agency to which we grant funds. The Cabinet ensures  donor dollars are invested in the most effective, impactful initiatives that will meet United Way’s goals. 

Solving community issues demands a collaborative and system-wide approach. No one agency or program can accomplish such a challenging task. However, United Way works across all sectors to convene the appropriate resources to catalyze deep transformation, rather than a temporary fix. In addition, we work to ensure your contribution is invested wisely into programs that illustrate impact in improving upward mobility.

No. United Way funds specific programs implemented by partners that support our strategic focus of improving the upward mobility (economic status and social capital) of individuals and families. We stress that each nonprofit should work to diversify their resources of revenue to be able to better respond to fluctuations in fundraising.

Yes. Donors may designate their gift to a United Way of Southwestern Indiana Funded Partner or to another United Way. The minimum gift to designate is $25 per agency and a Donor Option Form must be filled out and attached to the pledge form.

Your payroll deduction pledge to United Way is made in good faith and is fulfilled as you earn income from the employer through whom you pledged. Should you cease to be employed, your pledge will stop immediately. We invite you to contact us to choose an alternative giving method so you can continue to support those you desired to help through your contribution.