What is the Livingston County United Way?
Livingston County United Way is a local, nonprofit organization that focuses on the building blocks of a good life: Thriving Families, Successful Youth, and Health & Wellness. Our mission: “…to elevate the quality of life for all residents through proactive community-focused initiatives that link resources, ideas, and partners as part of something greater.”
What does United Way Do?
Livingston County United Way brings people together to build stronger communities and improve local lives. We support individuals and families, systems of care, and the building of community assets.
Why should I give to United Way?
United Way and our partner programs and initiatives are making a difference every day in the lives of children, individuals, and families in our community. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people have good health.
Who decides where the money goes?
It’s people like you, right here in Livingston County, who make the important community investment decisions. Volunteers from across the county review program applications and make funding decisions.
What Financial Safeguards are in place?
LCUW is committed to the highest standards of accountability and transparency when investing our donor dollars. As a matter of practice, no single staff member is able to process any transaction from start to finish and all checks must be signed by two authorized signers. The Finance Committee and Board of Directors review financial statements monthly to ensure adherence to the budget. An independent accounting firm audits LCUW once a year and the Audit Committee and Board of Directors must review and approve the audit each year.
Why isn’t my favorite Non-Profit funded?
In some cases, an agency may be doing great work, but it may not have programs that align with LCUW’s community impact goals. In other cases, the agency may not meet United Way’s rigorous criteria for performance and accountability. Every year funding requests exceed available donations.
What is the local United Way’s relationship with United Way Worldwide?
Livingston County United Way is an autonomous organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors. United Way Worldwide is a completely separate organization that provides training, research data, branding, and other support services to local United Ways. United Way Worldwide has no role in determining how locally raised funds are invested.
Who runs the Livingston County United Way?
We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors — leaders in the community, who are invested in the quality of life for Livingston County families. The Board oversees audits, budget, determines policy and hires professional staff to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
How does Livingston County United Way ensure financial integrity?
To maintain sound fiscal responsibility, Livingston County United Way staff operations are under the oversight of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee. The Board reviews finance reports at the regular monthly meeting. An independent audit is conducted annually.
Why should I give to United Way and not directly to an agency?
No other single organization has the scope, expertise, or influence to bring hundreds of human service agencies, government, education partners and dedicated volunteers around a common vision of achieving long-lasting results for a stronger, healthier Livingston County. When you give to a specific charity, you support a cause. When you give to LCUW, your gift becomes part of a collective effort to strengthen our entire community. Your gift to United Way allows you to accomplish more than you can alone or through a single charity.
Will money I give to United Way go outside the community?
No. The money raised in Livingston County stays in Livingston County, unless you, the donor, request that it be sent to another United Way or non-profit organization.
I’ll never use the services, so why should I give?
When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. Job loss, loss of a loved one, illness, accidents, disabilities, family problems, natural disasters, mental disorders, and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. You may never know whose life you’ve touched by contributing and supporting important local programs. When you support United Way, you’re helping friends, family members, co-workers, and others in the community.
What are Livingston County United Way’s administrative costs?
We keep our administrative costs low, investing the majority of funds raised directly into local programs and initiatives. Our current administrative expenses are 7.5% and fundraising expenses are about 12.9%. This is well under the recommendation of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, which encourages nonprofits to keep operating costs below 35%.
Why should I give through payroll deduction at my workplace?
Payroll deduction offers a number of advantages. It’s efficient and convenient. You decide what to contribute and it comes right out of your paycheck a little at a time. It’s secure and confidential.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes! LCUW is a federally registered 501©(3) not-for-profit corporation. Donations to United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances.