FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. and what does it do?

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. is a local partnership of volunteers, contributors, staff, agencies and people served, which raises and distributes funds and strives to strengthen community capacity and individual ability to care for one another. United Way funding supports a wide variety of services, such as emergency assistance and shelter in times of crisis, training for the mentally and physically disabled, care for the elderly, shelter for abused women and children, recreational and character-building programs for youth and otther programs that make a measurable impact on the Beaufort County community.
United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. is a community convenor of diverse groups to address community issues effectively and without duplication. Citizens, government, non-profit entities and businesses are gathering around the United Way table, combining their perspectives and resources. Early efforts focus on United Way’s priority areas: literacy, hunger and shelter. But perhaps the greatest success is for these groups to discover they can work together toward a common goal.

Who runs United Way?

A local volunteer Board of Directors sets policy and makes all decisions for United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. These volunteers assess local needs, collect donations and decide how contributor dollars should be distributed. They provide oversight of all operations. United Way of America is a trade association of which our local board chooses to be a member. United Way of America does not govern the operations of United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. in any way. Every decision concerning our local organization is made by local citizen volunteers.

Who will benefit from my gift?

Your friends, neighbors, co-workers, even members of your own family might have benefited from United Way services. Last year, 1 of every 3 people in Beaufort County used a service provided by a United Way-funded agency. Anyone who lives or works in Beaufort County is eligible for United Way services and programs. Please review our list of Agencies to see the programs and services offered in our community.

Why should I give to United Way's annual campaign?

Your gift, when added to those of thousands of other United Way contributors, make a measurable impact on our community and helps the greatest number of people. It allows you to make a difference in the quality of life in Beaufort County. When you're a part of the United Way, you can do much more for others than you could on your own.

How much of my gift actually goes to people who need help?

88 cents of every dollar you give goes directly to people in need. Because United Way receives the help of hundreds of volunteers, overhead costs can be kept very low. The Better Business Bureau says 30% is an acceptable figure for overhead for charitable organizations, but United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. spends only 12% for administrative and fund-raising costs.

How are funding decisions made?

50 knowledgeable volunteers visit agencies and closely examine the needs of our community. Agencies must meet strict standards of accountability in order to be considered for funding or service. Then the Community Investment volunteers make recommendations to the volunteer Board of Directors. Upon approval, dollars are distributed to the agencies that are making a measurable impact in areas of critical community need. Please click here to learn more about Community Investment.

Why does United Way hold an annual campaign?

Because adequate resources are not available, United Way-funded programs cannot provide vital services to the community without financial assistance. Service providers rely on United Way contributions to meet the needs of the community, and your gift, added to that of thousands of other United Way contributors, enables agencies to help the greatest number of people possible.

Does my contribution leave the community?

Unless you choose otherwise, your contribution stays in our county. United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc. provides contributors the opportunity to designate any partner agency within United Way to receive all or part of your donation. Designations made to other United Ways outside our local area will be processed and forwarded to those organizations. Donations not designated will be handled by informed United Way volunteers who decide where your money will best be put to use in Beaufort County.

What requirements must United Way partner agencies meet?

An agency must demonstrate that it is performing an essential service to the community. It must be a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 health and human service non-profit corporation governed by a volunteer board whose members are elected and supported by trained, professional staff. Additionally, it must have an annual, independent financial audit and meet reasonable standards of financial responsibility and efficiency.

United Way coordinates investment in our community that makes a difference. Contributors want to know that their dollars are being invested in programs that can demonstrate their effectiveness. United Way is working with more than 30 agencies to measure results, or outcomes. Outcomes measurement uses a logic model approach (“if this happens, then this will happen”) to assess the quality and effectiveness of services. Agencies set up a logic model for each program they offer, and establish indicators they can use to get to the bottom line, or the outcome, of that program. It’s no longer enough for an agency to say, “We served X number of clients this month.” The question is, how did these clients’ lives change as a result of that service? In the future, Community Investment volunteers will scrutinize the outcomes reported by funding applicants in forming their allocation recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

Your gift is tax deductible if you itemize deductions.

Is my gift used to pay for parties and events?

No. All United Way events, including Campaign Kickoff, Awards Luncheon and Leadership Events, are paid for by sponsors or admittance is charged.

Why should I give to United Way instead of giving directly to a specific agency?

United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc.'s unique community investment process assures that agencies adhere to sound fiscal policies, conduct their services effectively and efficiently and report measurable outcomes. You can be sure your gift is being well spent. For the agencies, United Way allocations are a stable source of funding they can rely on, rather than depending on sporadic direct contributions. In addition, combined fund-raising efforts through United Way allow agencies to spend their time on their primary purpose: helping people.

I would like to give, but can I afford to?

Every gift, large or small, makes a difference in someone's life. You'll find that the satisfaction you receive from giving to help others is an excellent return on the investment you make in your community.

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If you have questions or would like to discuss one of these points in depth, please call us:

2266 Boundary Street
P.O. Box 202
Beaufort, SC 29901-0202
(843) 982-3040
fax (843) 982-3044

62 New Orleans Road
P.O. Box 7281
Hilton Head Island, SC 29938-7281
(843) 686-4304
fax (843) 686-4399