If someone has a question and you are not certain of the answer, please make a note of the question and how to reach the person who asked it, and do one of two things:

1) call United Way staff to find out the answer, and report the answer back to the person asking; or 

2) have United Way staff get the answer to the person asking the question.

Q: "What is the relationship between the national organization, United Way of America, and United Way of Santa Fe County?  What percent of funds raised are sent to the national office?"
A:  United Way of Santa Fe County is a Community Investment organization dedicated to creating long-term, lasting change through innovation and action.  One of 1,400 United Ways in the United States, we are independently incorporated and entirely governed by an elected board of local volunteers.  Like all other United Ways, we have a professional affiliation with United Way of America, and pay annual dues of less than 1% of our campaign revenue. Funds raised stay right here in our community.  
 

Q: "What is the mission of United Way of Santa Fe County?"
A:  United Way of Santa Fe County’s mission is to make lasting change in the community.  The mission is realized through the Santa Fe Children’s Project.  The Santa Fe Children’s Project is changing our community by creating new opportunities for children and families. We bring the community together to plan, advocate, and provide programs from birth to career. Our children become more successful in school and in life, our families become more resilient, our community becomes stronger both now and in the future.

Q: "May I designate my gift to another not-for-profit organization?"

A:  Absolutely.  United Way of Santa Fe County accepts workplace designations to tax-exempt health and human services or education agencies.  These additional giving options have a $60 minimum annual donation per designation.  10% of the gift is deducted for administrative fees and 8% is deducted for uncollectable pledges due to employee turnover on all Payroll Deductions.  Designations are a service that the United Way of Santa Fe County provides to make giving easier.  If the employee wishes to avoid these fees, they are encouraged to give directly to a charitable organization.  

Q: "How is United Way financially accountable?"

A:  Stringent accounting controls, external audits and reporting policies regarding funds raised and distributed are in place and adhered to at United Way of Santa Fe County.  We are directly accountable for results and for the outcomes that our donors, community leaders, elected officials and other change agents expect from us.
Please refer to the United Way of Santa Fe County website for complete financial information: www.uwsfc.org.

Q: "My spouse gives for both of us."    

A:  We respect your personal decision-making process. We simply ask that you consider making a donation that reflects your commitment to creating lasting change in your community. Your gift can be combined with your spouse’s gift through United Way. This makes many couples eligible for Innovators Circle recognition.
 

Q: "I resent the pressure to give to United Way."

A:  Giving is a personal decision, made according to an individual’s interests and values. United Way of Santa Fe County has a non-coercion policy that respects your personal decision.