UW Campaign Continues

The 2007 Grand Valley United Way Campaign runs October 1-15. Some common questions and answers about United Way:

Q: As a Grand Valley employee, am I expected to give to the United Way Campaign?
A: No, giving is a personal choice. Employees should not feel pressured or coerced into giving. Our campaign goal is to have 100 percent participation, but that means that 100 percent of Grand Valley employees are given information and a form. Whether or not you choose to give, a returned form signifies that you have been given the opportunity to participate.

Q: If I give, where will my money go?
A: It will go where you direct it to go when you fill out the gift form. Grand Valley has partnered with Heart of West Michigan United Way to process all Grand Valley gifts. But depending on your instructions, your funds will go to Heart of West Michigan (Kent County) or to Greater Ottawa United Way (Ottawa County) or Muskegon United Way or Allegan.

Q: How do I know the United Way will be a responsible steward of my gift?
A: Go online and check. What you'll find is that Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), America's largest independent evaluator of non-profit organizations, has consistently awarded Heart of West Michigan United Way its highest four-star rating for organizational efficiency and prudent financial management. It strives to keep administrative costs and overhead as low as possible. Over the past five years, Heart of West Michigan United Way's overhead costs have been among the lowest in the country, holding between 7 and 11 percent.

Q: Can I select specific agencies where my gift is funneled directly?
A: Yes, you can designate which agencies are to receive your gift. Gifts must be at least $50 and agencies must be 501(c)3 health and human service agencies. Most people do not designate — for the 2006 GVSU campaign  there were 76 different organizations designated by 221 people.

Q: Are there reasons not to designate specific agencies?
A: Yes. Designated funds are disbursed with no involvement from United Way. On the other hand, when United Way funds programs it provides oversight and holds the agencies accountable for the funding they receive. Additionally, there is volunteer and professional oversight, increased community impact, comprehensive community care and less overhead. Thus, to giving undesignated dollars to the Community Investment Fund is a way to maximize your gift. With every $1 invested in Heart of West Michigan United Way, $1.45 goes back into the community through challenge grants and programs. Also, a gift of at least $156 in undesignated dollars makes you a member of United Way’s Caring Club, which entitles you to discounts at area merchants.

Q: I don't like a certain agency. If I give to United Way, can I exclude them from receiving my money?
A: Yes. On the bottom of the gift form, simply write "Exclude" followed by the name of the agency. In the 2006 campaign, there were 18 exclusions.

Q: Are gifts tax-deductible?
A: Yes. Those who used payroll deduction will notice on their 2007 W-2 a separate listing of their United Way contributions. Everyone who gives will receive a thank you letter as well.

Q: Does the United Way take positions on controversial topics?
A: No, United Way feels it is not appropriate to be involved in funding or advocacy about controversial issues. United Way recognizes the value of diversity and differences of opinion on controversial issues and encourages advocacy of viewpoints in reaching goals in the best interest of the common good. In order to answer questions on prominent issues that givers may have, resources are available online at www.waybetterunitedway.com . If you have additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact either of the campaign co-chairs, Marlene Kowalski-Braun or Jon Jellema via e-mail or by calling x12400.