Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Way of the Columbia-Willamette?

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette is a local, nonprofit organization that has helped people in Multnomah, Clark, Clackamas and Washington Counties since 1920. Our mission is: Helping people, changing lives, making every contribution count.

United Way is a leader in solving tough local issues and building a stronger community by bringing together the right people, resources, and ideas. We work with community leaders and service providers to identify and prioritize the needs, leverage contributions, and achieve tangible results. Our grant-funding model identifies partners and projects based on collaborations, efficiency, innovation, and results. By restoring independence and stability to individuals and families, we are creating a better, more sustainable community.

What makes United Way different from other charities?

Most health and human service organizations address on a single cause or area of concern. United Way focuses on a broad range of interrelated needs and their underlying causes. United Way is much more than a fundraising organization. We are also dedicated to ensuring sound investment of donations and results. United Way researches and assesses community needs and is active in developing regional health and human service policy and strategies to solve local issues. United Way monitors the performance of grant-funded projects and reports results to donors. We also recruit and train volunteers for nonprofit agencies and provide volunteer resources in the area of management and technical assistance, training and board leadership.

Why give to the United Way Campaign?

It’s easy and convenient. You can donate through your workplace and automatic payroll deductions, our online system, or by a direct donation.

It’s a smart investment. We are experts at managing donor investments and bringing together the right people, ideas, and resources to solve tough local issues and their underlying causes. United Way is an organization you can trust. Our overhead expenses are low and we target investments to ensure tangible results. We also track performance of our partner agencies, and report results to you, the donor.

It makes a difference. Your single contribution, when combined with thousands of others, has a much more powerful impact in our community. Giving to United Way is an efficient and effective way to address multiple issues in your local community and change the lives of our neighbors. We make it easy for you to connect with your community by giving money, time, or talent.

What if I don’t think I can afford to give?

By using United Way’s payroll deduction plan, you can invest even a small amount each pay period, and see it add up to a significant gift by year’s end. Your investment combined with thousands of others will have real, measurable impact in the community. A contribution of $5 a month can change lives!

Can I give in other ways besides payroll deduction?

United Way offers several other convenient ways to give:

Online
Cash or check
Credit or debit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Make a one-time gift, or contribute monthly.
Donate appreciated securities. Thanks to tremendous tax advantages, donating appreciated securities has become very popular, provided you have held the securities for at least one year. When you donate appreciated securities to United Way, you pay no capital gains taxes and 100 percent of the stock is tax deductible. Consult your broker and United Way for further tax-saving information.

Does United Way condone pressure to give?

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette feels very strongly that no one should ever be pressured into giving. United Way is based on the concept of voluntary giving. The best, most responsive giving comes voluntarily. If you feel pressured, we want to know about it. Please contact Mark Todd, Vice President of Brand Strategy. Email him at markt@unitedway-pdx.org, call 503-226-9325 or write to:
Attn: Mark Todd
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette
619 SW 11th Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

Can I designate part of my gift to an Agency?

Yes. Through United Way of the Columbia-Willamette you can give to any registered tax-exempt 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations. Thanks to Cornerstone Partners who cover United Way overhead, 100% of your gift will go to the charity you designate. However, you should know that we can’t hold agencies to our standards of accountability if we don’t have a grant-funding relationship with them. The best way to make the greatest difference in our community and achieve results is to donate to United Way. To learn more, please read our Designation Policy.

Why should I give my money to United Way and not directly to my favorite agency?

When you give directly to an agency, we can’t offer the extra value of United Way’s expertise applying your gift where it can have the greatest impact in the community and we can’t monitor your investment or track results. Giving to United Way allows you to multiply the effect of your contribution because we are able to help agencies leverage more public and private dollars. You’ll also be addressing a variety of interrelated issues related to children, health and wellness, and tools for independence instead of just one cause.

Can I exclude specific community partners from my gift?

Yes, if for some reason you do not wish your gift to support a specific community partner, please select a United Way focus area that would not pertain to that agency or designate an agency of your choice. For example, if you do not want to support an agency that provides health services, you could designate your gift to Successful Kids, Tools for Independence, or list a specific agency you prefer.

What must non-profit organizations do to receive United Way funding?

United Way is open to all registered tax-exempt health and human service organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington that provide services in at least one of three community impact areas. Organizations must submit grant proposals that align with the specific United Way community goals. They are asked to demonstrate how they will partner with United Way and collaborate with other service providers and community partners. Local Vision Council comprised of about 70 volunteers set goals, review proposals and analyze operations before determining funding partnerships based on proposal quality, collaboration, geographic, and population criteria. Staff and Vision Council recommendations are then approved by United Way's Board of Directors.

Why do agencies want to receive funding from United Way?

A local non-profit executive director once commented, “being affiliated with United Way is like having the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” Receiving funding from United Way means that a program has met strict accountability standards for its effectiveness and financial management, and has a non-discrimination policy aligned with United Way’s policy. While agencies receive endowments, grants, etc., United Way dollars often provide the core funding for each agency’s community programs. United Way dollars also serve as the “local matching funds” needed to generate additional revenue through grants from local, state and federal governments.

Does United Way support any political agenda, party or candidate?

No. We invest the dollars that donors give us in social service programs and initiatives that help people and strengthen our local communities. We do not support agency political agendas and only fund programs that deliver specific services to a target population.