WHO WE ARE2022-11-18T11:38:42-05:00

WHO WE ARE

WHO WE ARE

WHAT WE DO

United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit that is dedicated to reducing poverty in the community. In order to assist at every level and work as a whole-community solution, United Way of St. Joseph County focuses on four impact areas: Early Learning, Youth Success, Stable Families, and Critical Needs. Because we believe that reducing poverty requires the efforts of more than one single agency, United Way collaborates with and invests their funds into over 20 local nonprofits. In taking this approach, we have the unique ability to convene, collaborate, and direct resources where they are most needed.

United Way conducts community needs assessments, secures critical resources to fund vital social services, provides fiscal oversight and accountability for community partners, and evaluates program results to measure and communicate community impact.

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We also provide local employers, employees, and other donors a cost-effective system to address community needs while allowing other local agencies and programs to concentrate more on helping and less on fundraising.

United Way gives people a trustworthy place to donate funds, knowing that their dollars will go to meet the greatest areas of need in the community and that money raised locally stays in the community.

Our United Way has contributed more than $122 million to St. Joseph County individuals and organizations since 1914.

To learn more about the impact we’re making, view our 2019-2021 Impact Report here.

WHAT WE DO

United Way of St. Joseph County is a nonprofit that is dedicated to reducing poverty in the community. In order to assist at every level and work as a whole-community solution, United Way of St. Joseph County focuses on four impact areas: Early Learning, Youth Success, Stable Families, and Critical Needs. Because we believe that reducing poverty requires the efforts of more than one single agency, United Way collaborates with and invests their funds into over 20 local nonprofits. In taking this approach, we have the unique ability to convene, collaborate, and direct resources where they are most needed.

United Way conducts community needs assessments, secures critical resources to fund vital social services, provides fiscal oversight and accountability for community partners, and evaluates program results to measure and communicate community impact.

We also provide local employers, employees, and other donors a cost-effective system to address community needs while allowing other local agencies and programs to concentrate more on helping and less on fundraising.

United Way gives people a trustworthy place to donate funds, knowing that their dollars will go to meet the greatest areas of need in the community and that money raised locally stays in the community.

Our United Way has contributed more than $122 million to St. Joseph County individuals and organizations since 1914.

To learn more about the impact we’re making, view our 2019-2021 impact Report here.

NEED HELP? CALL 2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 or CLICK HERE to access hundreds of community services. It’s FREE, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

FAQ

What does the United Way do?2018-08-08T20:57:03-04:00

United Way of St. Joseph County identifies, participates, and collaborates in work to reduce poverty.

Why did United Way of St. Joseph County choose poverty?2018-08-08T20:57:25-04:00

Because 40% of St. Joseph County households are struggling to meet life’s basic needs.

How will United Way improve poverty in St. Joseph County?2018-08-08T20:58:27-04:00

By investing in the change in early learning, youth success, and stable families to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Why are we changing our approach?2018-08-08T20:59:45-04:00

Poverty is a complex problem. It requires many people working together to identify strategies and develop solutions, which otherwise are not achievable through individual efforts.

What results do we hope to see?2018-08-08T21:00:09-04:00

Our children succeeding, our families strengthened, and our community thriving.

What makes United Way special?2020-10-06T13:19:12-04:00

– Our unique ability to convene, collaborate, and direct resources where most needed

– We concentrate on those issues that no single agency can solve on its own

– Our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accountability

– The thorough research that supports our community investments

– Advocacy for a favorable public policy that benefits those in need of health and human services

– Compassionate and knowledgeable volunteer leadership

Who oversees the operations and finances of United Way?2018-08-08T21:01:29-04:00

The operating budget of United Way of St. Joseph County is audited by an independent accounting firm and carefully reviewed by volunteers who serve on the United Way Finance Committee and United Way Board of Directors. United Way is governed by a local volunteer board of directors whose members are respected community and business leaders. Although we consider guidelines set forth by United Way Worldwide, all policy and funding decisions are made locally. The community volunteers who lead United Way reflect our community’s diversity and represent a wealth of professions. A knowledgeable professional staff works closely with these volunteers, handling United Way’s daily operations.

Designations Minimum Amount and Fees2022-06-02T13:52:31-04:00

United Way of St. Joseph County (UWSJC) allows donors to designate part or all of their United Way pledge to a partner agency, United Way Impact Area, or another United Way. UWSJC is then responsible for the processing, reporting, management and payment of said designations. UWSJC creates and sends reports for donor acknowledgement that includes donor and pledge information, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. UWSJC processes quarterly payments with corresponding payment remittance to each designated agency. UWSJC also incurs the fundraising costs of sales and marketing for these pledges. Like all United Ways, UWSJC prescribes to a consistent, fair and understandable methodology for calculating and recovering fundraising, processing, and management and general expenses on designated donations.

UWSJC calculates fees based on the prior 3-year IRS Form 990. For the most recent campaign year our management and general percentage is 5.28% and our Fundraising percentage is 10.95% . A total fee of 16.23% is deducted from all designated pledges. A minimum pledge of $50.00 is required if a donor wishes to designate because of the additional tasks listed above that must be performed and the fee that will be taken from each designation. It should also be noted that designations are over and above which a partner agency receives through the Allocations process and at this time designations are independent of Allocations.

FAQ

What does the United Way do?2018-08-08T20:57:03-04:00

United Way of St. Joseph County identifies, participates, and collaborates in work to reduce poverty.

Why did United Way of St. Joseph County choose poverty?2018-08-08T20:57:25-04:00

Because 40% of St. Joseph County households are struggling to meet life’s basic needs.

How will United Way improve poverty in St. Joseph County?2018-08-08T20:58:27-04:00

By investing in the change in early learning, youth success, and stable families to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Why are we changing our approach?2018-08-08T20:59:45-04:00

Poverty is a complex problem. It requires many people working together to identify strategies and develop solutions, which otherwise are not achievable through individual efforts.

What results do we hope to see?2018-08-08T21:00:09-04:00

Our children succeeding, our families strengthened, and our community thriving.

What makes United Way special?2020-10-06T13:19:12-04:00

– Our unique ability to convene, collaborate, and direct resources where most needed

– We concentrate on those issues that no single agency can solve on its own

– Our commitment to efficiency, transparency, and accountability

– The thorough research that supports our community investments

– Advocacy for a favorable public policy that benefits those in need of health and human services

– Compassionate and knowledgeable volunteer leadership

Who oversees the operations and finances of United Way?2018-08-08T21:01:29-04:00

The operating budget of United Way of St. Joseph County is audited by an independent accounting firm and carefully reviewed by volunteers who serve on the United Way Finance Committee and United Way Board of Directors. United Way is governed by a local volunteer board of directors whose members are respected community and business leaders. Although we consider guidelines set forth by United Way Worldwide, all policy and funding decisions are made locally. The community volunteers who lead United Way reflect our community’s diversity and represent a wealth of professions. A knowledgeable professional staff works closely with these volunteers, handling United Way’s daily operations.

Designations Minimum Amount and Fees2022-06-02T13:52:31-04:00

United Way of St. Joseph County (UWSJC) allows donors to designate part or all of their United Way pledge to a partner agency, United Way Impact Area, or another United Way. UWSJC is then responsible for the processing, reporting, management and payment of said designations. UWSJC creates and sends reports for donor acknowledgement that includes donor and pledge information, unless the donor wishes to remain anonymous. UWSJC processes quarterly payments with corresponding payment remittance to each designated agency. UWSJC also incurs the fundraising costs of sales and marketing for these pledges. Like all United Ways, UWSJC prescribes to a consistent, fair and understandable methodology for calculating and recovering fundraising, processing, and management and general expenses on designated donations.

UWSJC calculates fees based on the prior 3-year IRS Form 990. For the most recent campaign year our management and general percentage is 5.28% and our Fundraising percentage is 10.95% . A total fee of 16.23% is deducted from all designated pledges. A minimum pledge of $50.00 is required if a donor wishes to designate because of the additional tasks listed above that must be performed and the fee that will be taken from each designation. It should also be noted that designations are over and above which a partner agency receives through the Allocations process and at this time designations are independent of Allocations.

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION:

Be a convener, thought leader, and driver of transformational change

OUR VISION: 

Move people from poverty to possibility

OUR CORE VALUES:

Integrity | Compassion | Intentionality | Collaboration | Equity | Excellence

DIVERSITY:

As a champion and catalyst for building strong, healthy communities in St. Joseph County, United Way of St. Joseph County values diversity. We believe all people should have an opportunity to make an impact in society. It is through the collective efforts of individuals in our communities that we create a responsible and vibrant society, one which respects, honors and thrives on the unique attributes of its members. Read our diversity statement in full here.

ANTI-RACISM:

United Way of St. Joseph County unequivocally denounces all forms of racism and ethnic discrimination that undermines the well-being and vitality of our community. We recognize that racism and ethnic discrimination contribute to disparity in Education, Employment, Healthcare, Housing and Income in St. Joseph County.

We work to build a community where all can flourish by respecting the dignity of every person through diversity and inclusion. United Way of St. Joseph County engages residents and community members, especially those whose voices have systematically been marginalized, to dismantle disparities through the shared work of fostering and promoting equity and empowerment.

We commit to leveraging all of our assets – convening, strategic investments, awareness-building, and advocacy – to create an equitable community.

REPORTS:

HISTORY

In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers, and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address social welfare problems in their city. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way.

The United Way of St. Joseph County was founded locally in 1914 and for the more than a century, has demonstrated the strength and value of our community by inspiring thousands of people to generously Give, Advocate and Volunteer for those in need.

ABOUT US

OUR MISSION:

To mobilize the community to collectively reduce poverty.

OUR VISION:

Move people from poverty to possibility.

OUR CORE VALUES:

Integrity | Compassion | Intentionality | Collaboration | Dignity | Excellence

DIVERSITY:

As a champion and catalyst for building strong, healthy communities in St. Joseph County, United Way of St. Joseph County values diversity. We believe all people should have an opportunity to make an impact in society. It is through the collective efforts of individuals in our communities that we create a responsible and vibrant society, one which respects, honors and thrives on the unique attributes of its members. Read our diversity statement in full here.

ANTI-RACISM:

United Way of St. Joseph County unequivocally denounces all forms of racism and ethnic discrimination that undermines the well-being and vitality of our community. We recognize that racism and ethnic discrimination contribute to disparity in Education, Employment, Healthcare, Housing and Income in St. Joseph County.

We work to build a community where all can flourish by respecting the dignity of every person through diversity and inclusion. United Way of St. Joseph County engages residents and community members, especially those whose voices have systematically been marginalized, to dismantle disparities through the shared work of fostering and promoting equity and empowerment.

We commit to leveraging all of our assets – convening, strategic investments, awareness-building, and advocacy – to create an equitable community.

REPORTS:

HISTORY

In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers, and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address social welfare problems in their city. They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700 and created a movement that would spread throughout the country to become the United Way.

The United Way of St. Joseph County was founded locally in 1914 and for the more than a century, has demonstrated the strength and value of our community by inspiring thousands of people to generously Give, Advocate and Volunteer for those in need.

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