FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LIVE UNITED
GENERAL QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES UNITED WAY DO?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is a trusted nonprofit that mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. With deep local roots, we see how our communities’ greatest challenges are connected — and how we can bring people and resources together to address them.
That’s why show up our communities, always listening and ready to respond. Working together with our neighbors, we’re strengthening resilience and advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security for all. With more than 100 years experience, we share ideas and innovations to drive holistic impact.
Every day, our communities show that when people unite to take action, change is possible. Together, we’re creating a future where everyone, everywhere can reach their full potential.
Want to know more about our approach and results? Please read more on this website about the work of United Way.
WHAT AREAS DOES UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA SERVE?
We are proud to serve seven parishes including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington.
WHAT GUIDES UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA?
The Blueprint for Prosperity, United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s plan to eradicate poverty in Southeast Louisiana, guides all of our efforts. The Blueprint drives our investments in programs and collaborations that provide long-term solutions focused on ending poverty. We are inspiring others to adopt our vision; informing others with data and innovative practices so they can accelerate their own impact, and initiating new collaborations where there are gaps
It is only through proactive collaboration that we can create strong, vibrant communities with health, education, and financial security for all.
WHO IS ALICE?
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). represents thousands of often-overlooked households in our communities who work hard but struggle to get by.
ALICE is your neighbor, family member, and friend; your waitress, office manager, cashier, and child care worker. ALICE works hard in low-wage jobs that keep our communities running, but don’t pay enough to afford the cost of living in their parish.
United for ALICE data upends the conventional view of financial stability in Southeast Louisiana, as reported by unemployment numbers and jobs reports. The reality is, nearly one in two households in our region is unable to afford basic expenses, including housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, cell phone access, and taxes. Review key findings from United for ALICE and learn how United Way is supporting ALICE households here.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
For every dollar donated to United Way of Southeast Louisiana, 82 cents support Community Partners in our seven-parish service area, which means 18 cents of every dollar funds UWSELA’s internal initiatives, like financial capability services, volunteerism, long-term recovery assistance, and advocacy, while also supporting our administrative and fundraising responsibilities.
We’re proud to report United Way of Southeast Louisiana maintains a competitive overhead rate of 18%, thanks to our generous in-kind support, dedicated volunteers, and exceptional fiscal responsibility. It’s well below comparable nonprofits and industry standards, like the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance at 35%.
I SUPPORT SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS. WHAT DOES UNITED WAY DO THAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DON’T DO?
Other organizations address specific causes, problems, and illnesses. But only United Way addresses the needs of our community as a whole. Why? Because we believe that only through broad, systems-level change, can we break down the barriers that hold individuals back and create pathways to prosperity for all.
One gift to United Way supports a variety of local needs, such as preventing substance abuse among youth, literacy and job training, affordable childcare, and emergency food and shelter. You can also be assured that your gift to United Way funds programs and collaboratives that help people most in need.
United Way conducts periodic needs assessments to ensure donor dollars are addressing the most pressing community issues. We also monitor funded programs, initiatives, and collaboratives annually to make sure they are efficiently and effectively improving people’s lives and making a positive impact.
United Way also offers the convenience of payroll deduction through the support of local employers, allowing employees to give a substantial annual gift through small weekly contributions. You can also give online through our website.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
CONTRIBUTIONS
HOW DOES UNITED WAY TURN YOUR DONATION IN COMMUNITY IMPACT?
No other organization can help so many individuals in so many ways through one donation. We leverage your donation with grant funding, advocacy for smart policy, and volunteerism to provide maximum community impact.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE MONEY TO UNITED WAY?
Thank you for considering investing in your community through United Way. Giving is as simple as making a donation online. Our comprehensive approach means when you team up with us, your generosity has greater impact.
Your employer may conduct a workplace campaign where you can make a contribution each year. If you would like to set up a campaign in your workplace, please call (504) 822-5540.
HOW CAN I BE SURE MY GIFT IS SPENT WISELY?
Local volunteer experts study community needs, set goals, review budgets, and monitor agencies to make sure that donated dollars are used as wisely as possible. These volunteers represent a cross-section of Southeast Louisiana.
This review process is United Way’s assurance that contributions are being responsibly managed and monitored. Our local United Way adheres to stringent standards of accounting and financial reporting set for health and human services organizations.
WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO UNITED WAY RATHER THAN DIRECTLY TO AN AGENCY?
Please support agencies you know but also consider a gift to United Way for the entire community network of services. It’s impossible to know which agencies your neighbors and family may also need someday.
United Way also makes your dollar work harder. We leverage your donation with local grant funding, advocacy for bipartisan policy, and volunteerism to provide maximum community impact.
We also hold agencies accountable. United Way funded programs are required to report data on their outcomes twice a year and are evaluated annually. We fund only trusted, proven programs to ensure that your gift is creating the most good possible in our community.
CAN I SPECIFY WHICH UNITED WAY AGENCY RECEIVES MY PLEDGE?
Yes. United Way will honor designations to any 501(c)(3) agency in Louisiana that provides health and human services.
Please keep in mind that non-designated donations to United Way of Southeast Louisiana support more than a comprehensive network of local programs and services, including United Way’s own, that are addressing the community’s most pressing needs. These programs and services are monitored annually to make sure they are efficiently and effectively improving people’s lives and making a positive impact.
I CAN’T AFFORD TO GIVE TO THE UNITED WAY.
Every gift to United Way of Southeast Louisiana, no matter its size, makes a difference in our community. Many people find that giving through payroll deduction allows them to make a contribution that fits their budget. One of the great advantages of giving through United Way is being part of a community effort that combines all of our giving to make the greatest impact on meeting the needs of people in our community.
OUR EMPLOYEES ARE LOW-PAID; I DON’T WANT TO ASK THEM TO GIVE.
Almost universally, people want to help others. Even a small amount each week can give an employee a sense of belonging to a larger community – of making a difference. United Way feels that all employees should be given an opportunity to express themselves through charitable giving. Often, employees at the lower end of the pay scale are more likely to know what it’s like to need health and human services, and may better understand and appreciate United Way’s impact.
I NEVER USE AGENCY SERVICES, SO WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
You never know when you, a member of your family, a coworker, or a neighbor may need a United Way service. One unexpected financial emergency – like job loss, natural disaster, medical emergency, or vehicle repair – can tip a household into financial crisis. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available when they’re needed.
A gift to United Way is an investment that benefits the entire community, not just one program, issue, or population.
IS GIVING TO UNITED WAY VOLUNTARY?
We feel strongly that charitable giving should always be a personal matter and decision, free from coercion.
We don’t want campaigns using undue pressure in any way, shape or form. That’s not who we are, and it’s in direct conflict with our operating standards.
ARE UNITED WAY DONATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. As such, donations to the United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances. Donors who contribute $250 or more to United Way by check or credit card will receive an acknowledgment from United Way. A copy of the canceled check and the acknowledgment together act as evidence of a donation for the purpose of a tax return. Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for the United Way during their tax year.
In the event that goods or services of more than a nominal value are received in exchange for a gift (such as buying an auction item), only the donation in excess of the value of the good or service is considered to be tax-deductible. Donors are encouraged to consult their own tax professionals to determine the extent to which their donations are tax-deductible in their own circumstances.
AGENCIES AND GETTING HELP
HOW CAN I GET HELP FROM A UNITED WAY AGENCY?
Whether your family needs help with taxes, prescription savings, emergency assistance, food, housing, counseling, or any health or human service, we will link you to the help you need to take control of your circumstances.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Resource Navigators can help you get information and resources related to housing, healthcare, education, finances, disaster recovery, and more
This service is offered to residents in our seven-parish service area of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. Contact them directly by filling out this form.
HOW DOES AN AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION BECOME A UNITED WAY FUNDING PARTNER?
Any registered nonprofit agency in our service area that provides health and human services, is aligned with our Blueprint for Prosperity, and addresses critical community needs and priorities identified by United Way may apply for funding. Funding is allocated in three-year cycles. You can learn more about our next grant cycle and application process online here.
WHY DO SOME AGENCIES CHARGE FEES FOR SERVICES?
United Way funded services are used by people at all income levels and in various states of need. Even though United Way’s support to agency programs is significant, agencies often require additional funding to maintain services. Charging fees to people who can afford to pay can provide some of these needed revenues, while also allowing the agency to help those who cannot pay.
ADMINISTRATION
WHO RUNS OUR UNITED WAY?
United Way is a local, autonomous organization governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees whose members are respected community and business leaders. Policies, activities, procedures, and programs we support are determined right here at home. The community volunteers who lead United Way come from all walks of life and reflect the cultural diversity of our area. United Way’s daily operations are handled by a small, knowledgeable, professional staff that works closely with volunteers at all levels.
HOW ARE SALARIES SET FOR FULL-TIME UNITED WAY PROFESSIONALS?
Salary ranges for paid staff are established and approved by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Board of Trustees to be competitive in the local job market. Compensation is set at a level to attract and retain well-qualified executive and professional personnel. The salary of the president was set by a volunteer committee of business executives from the Greater New Orleans Area, based on their desire to attract the best possible candidates for the key management position.
HOW DOES UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA KEEP COSTS LOW?
Many people are surprised to discover how economically and efficiently United Way of Southeast Louisiana is run. For every dollar raised, we spend 19 cents on operating costs. These expenses include marketing, fundraising, advocacy, internal initiatives, accounting, and other basic business functions. More importantly, they include all of the work we do to determine our community goal areas, distribute dollars to programs that address those goals, and monitor agency performance and results.
Good management practices, volunteer participation, in-kind donations, and United Way’s tradition of efficiency in raising resources mean more of each donated dollar goes directly to helping those in need.
In fact, we’re one of the most cost-effective charitable organizations you will find, according to standards set by national charitable watchdog organizations.
Where does the money come from to pay for the special events held during the United Way campaign?
Meals and tickets to special events are paid by individuals or corporations in attendance. In addition, sponsors underwrite events to help offset costs.
HOW IS UNITED WAY ACCOUNTABLE?
United Way’s own operating budget is audited by an independent accounting firm and is carefully scrutinized by a panel of local community volunteers and United Way’s Board of Trustees.
We also hold our funded partners to a high standard of accountability. Our grants are issued for up to three years – with annual renewal dependent on performance. Grantees submit data on the results of their program(s) twice a year and are evaluated annually. We also conduct site visits over the course of the funding period.
HOW IS OUR UNITED WAY CONNECTED TO UNITED WAY IN OTHER CITIES?
United Way of Southeast Louisiana is independent and self-governing. The money you contribute stays local to help residents in our seven-parish region. We are not connected to other United Ways except through best practices sharing the United Way Worldwide network. Our local Board of Trustees manages the fundraising and distribution of money raised here and assumes responsibility for the integrity and stewardship of our operations.
CONTACT UNITED WAY
Email: info@unitedwaysela.org
Call: (504) 822-5540
Need Help? Contact our Resource Navigators