Frequently Asked Questions:   What is The United Way and how is giving to  the United Way different from giving to other charities? United Way is the most efficient way for donors to make the greatest impact in their community.  The United Way identifies the needs by conducting research to ensure that the programs and services being funded are critical, effective and cost-efficient.  The United Way invests resources in programs and services focused on prevention, intervention, and support.  We continually monitor the effectiveness of funded programs and services.  The United Way is able to respond to new & emerging needs in the social services field.   How much does United Way spend on fundraising and administration costs? United Way keeps fundraising costs to a minimum thanks to community partnership and thousands of volunteers.  Our audited financial statements show our fundraising costs to be 10 percent, including administration.  An Imagine Canada survey reports that the average fundraising costs for non-profit organizations in Canada are around 21 percent.   If United Way raises funds for so many agencies, why do I still receive requests for money? There are many organizations in our community that are not funded by United Way.  For member agencies, the United Way does not provide 100% funding for any one program or to any one agency.  This is to ensure sustainability and viability of all United Way funded programs or services.   My spouse gives at work.  Why should I give? United Way volunteers suggests that we all make a contribution based on our  individual  income level.  Through payroll deduction, one smaller gift, added to another, equals a painless way to give a larger gift.  You can combine your gifts for favourable tax write-offs and recognition.   Doesn’t the government provide money to help these agencies? United Way itself does not receive government funding.  Many government departments fund or purchase services from United Way agencies.  United Way is the only stable source of funding for some agencies. I never use agency programs, so how do I benefit by giving to United Way? United Way is a network of care that you support now so that essential programs and services will be available in the event that you need to access them.  Your gift ensures that you and those you care about will have support when it is needed.  Your gift to the United Way is a sound investment in the quality of life of your community.  Whether it helps your neighbour cope with a vision loss or supports children at risk, we all benefit from a healthy, supportive community.   I don’t like Agency X.  I don’t want my money to go to them, so why should I give to the United Way? There are many agencies that the United Way funds that provide essential services to one in three local residents.  Why penalize all of them because of one agency?  You may also take advantage of the Donor Choice option on your pledge card to designate your donation.   When will I get a tax receipt for my donation? If you give through payroll deduction, your contribution will be on your following year’s T4.  (If you donated to the 2009 campaign, your pledge is deducted from your pay in 2010, therefore the donation is recorded on your 2010 T4.)  If you give by cash, cheque or credit card, your tax receipt will be mailed to your home address by February 28 of the following year.  Please ensure you complete the home address section of the pledges form if donation by cheque, cash or credit card as Canada Revenue Agency requires that tax receipts be sent to home addresses.   When will the agency I have designated receive my donation? Your donation will be sent to the agency in four payments over the following year.   I live outside of Fort McMurray.  Where will my donation go? You can designate your donation to any community United Way or a specific registered charity (member or non- member agency) by indicating your choice on your pledge card.