Frequently Asked Questions
WHO DIRECTS UNITED WAY?
United Way is volunteer-driven, and is directed by a local, all-volunteer Board of Directors.
WHAT IS A UNITED WAY PARTNER AGENCY?
A United Way partner agency is a non-profit health and human service agency that provides programs and services that achieve meaningful and measurable results. United Way agencies must be registered as non-profit organizations in Cambridge and North Dumfries and show evidence of sound management practices, including an annual financial audit. United Way invests in agency programs and services that meet community-level objectives or core foundation services.
WHY SHOULDN’T I DONATE DIRECTLY TO A FAVOURITE AGENCY, RATHER THAN TO UNITED WAY?
I am sure your favourite agency is a deserving agency, however, United Way provides some unique opportunities for your charitable investment. United Way is focused on community impact and your donation will be invested in programs that are getting to the underlying causes of our community problems. United Way funded agencies work together to deliver much needed programs and services. Many people rely on multiple agencies to address their needs. You are also able to designate your gift to your favourite agency through United Way, guaranteeing your donation goes to the programs at that agency.
HOW CAN I DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO A SPECIFIC LOCAL AGENCY
OR TO ANOTHER LOCAL UNITED WAY?
The United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries is committed to support our 24 Partner Agencies. We would request that all or a portion of your donation be used to support these agencies. In addition to your annual United Way donation, if you have another charity which you want to support through the United Way, you can! With a minimum donation of $52.00, a $12 service charge will be applied to your donation to off-set the processing cost. You may designate your gift to any Registered Canadian Charity. There is no service charge for designations to our Partner Agencies or other United Ways.
IF I DON’T USE UNITED WAY SERVICES, WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
Your donation is a personal investment in our community, enabling United Way to address the underlying causes of our community’s most critical issues—among them quality child care, racial inequity, substance abuse and other health problems, and illiteracy. Through United Way, your dollars will be leveraged to effectively address long term and short term community needs. United Way helps people every day in Cambridge and North Dumfries. You may not need a United Way funded service today…but we never know when tragedy will strike and you and your loved ones could need help at anytime in the future.
HOW IS UNITED WAY AUDITED?
All United Way financial affairs are subject to an annual audit conducted by an independent public accounting firm. This audit is conducted according to strict standards, which have been developed for all not-for-profit organizations.
WHAT ARE THE ADMIN AND FUNDRAISING COSTS OF THE UNITED WAY OF CAMBRIDGE AND NORTH DUMFRIES?
84% of funds raised helps the community through programs and services funded by United Way. 16% goes to administration and fundraising, which is spent training volunteers, coordinating events, helping our volunteers raise funds, and helping companies run workplace campaigns. This level of efficiency stands far above the average for registered Canadian charities.
