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 should I not donate directly to a favourite agency rather than to the 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! Your donation must be a minimum of $50. Our fundraising and administration costs are 16%. These costs are equally covered by all contributions to United Way, including designations. You may designate your gift to any Registered Canadian Charity.
If I do not 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. Click here to view our most recent Financial Statement.
What are the administrative and fundraising costs of the United Way of Cambridge & North Dumfries?
We use 84% of funds raised to help the community through programs and services funded by United Way and 16% goes to administration and fundraising, which is spent training volunteers, coordinating events, helping our volunteers raise funds, and helping companies run workplace campaigns. We�re proud of our administrative efficiency.
Why was the Cost Recovery Fee policy changed?
In 2011, a review of our previous year’s designations indicated that the existing charge was not reflective of the true costs involved in raising, collecting, processing and distributing the designated donations. Additionally, in recent years we experienced a significant increase in the dollars being designated which resulted in less money being available for our partner agencies thus impacting our ability to address our priority areas. We wanted to ensure that the cost of doing business (raising, collecting, processing and distributing) was borne equally from all sources of revenue. A Cost Recovery Fee of 16% was determined through our external audit process.
Why is there a Cost Recovery Fee?
The Cost Recovery Fee reflects the fundraising, administration and processing cost incurred by United Way to raise and process dollars; this fee is applied equally, on a break-even basis, to all dollars raised.
How does my designated donation get to my preferred agency?
By completing the designation section on your pledge card, you have started the process that will ensure your donation is directed to your preferred agency. United Way staff enter all of the pledges into our system, recording your requests for designations. Partner and non partner agencies are paid out on a quarterly basis, as the pledge money is received.
Is there a cost associated with designating my donation?
All donations designated or otherwise, are subject to a 16% Cost Recovery Fee.
Are all donations subject to the Cost Recovery Fee?
All donations received by United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries are subject to the Cost Recovery Fee. The 16% fee translates to 84% of dollars donated being invested in our community and other designation recipients. The Cost Recovery Fee covers the true cost of our work in training volunteers; helping our volunteers raise funds; helping companies run workplace campaigns; and administering and distributing the resources.
How does the United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries Cost Recovery Fee compare to others?
Our 16% illustrates a level of efficiency which stands far above the average for Canadian charities. We are able to maintain our quality service by engaging volunteers in many aspects of our organization. Best practice research indicates that a Cost Recovery Fee is becoming the norm among United Ways as it reflects a more realistic cost of doing business.
If I designate my donation to a community agency that is a Partner Agency of United Way, that receives funding from the main United Way community fund process, how does this work?
Your designation will be earmarked specifically for the organization you indicate, as a part of the total amount that the organization receives from United Way. This ensures that your donation goes to the organization that you identify, and that donations are included within United Way’s granting system and focused on the community issues, in our local community, that United Way focus upon.
What if I don’t want to pay the Cost Recovery Fee?
If you do not wish to pay the Cost Recovery Fee, we would encourage you to develop a direct connection with the charitable organization you have chosen. You may, however, lose the ability to donate through payroll deduction.
