Frequently Asked Questions

How can people make donations to United Way?

Donating through payroll deduction at your workplace is one of the easiest ways to give. A pledge or a credit card donation can also be made directly to United Way of Roanoke Valley.

United Way of Roanoke Valley also accepts contributions in the form of willed bequests or planned gifts. Contributions are tax-deductible. Ask your company's human resource director if your company holds an annual campaign. If not, please encourage them to do so. United Way cannot provide vital services to the community without financial assistance. For more information, call United Way of Roanoke Valley at (540) 777-4200.

Why should I give to United Way when my family and I never use agency programs?

Because with every person assisted by a United Way agency, our community gets healthier and stronger. This adds up to a better quality of life for everyone. Chances are, you or someone you know has benefited. United Way and its partner agencies are here for everyone! If you have never used a United Way agency service, you are an exception. But isn’t it comforting to know you've helped ensure agencies will be there to help improve the quality of life for your friends, neighbors, and families?

Is my gift really important? Will my contribution be missed if I don't give?

Yes, your gift would be missed. Programs and services will not continue if essential funds are missing. Just ask around at work. Chances are, someone there has used one or more of our programs. Your gift is definitely important. We can't depend on others to meet our community's needs. It takes all of us doing our part.

I have given generously in the past. Why should I increase my gift?

Your generosity is very much appreciated. With increasing costs and increasing requests for services, however, your gift does not go nearly as far as it may have two or three years ago. Remember, it's clear that people who may never have sought services before are doing so now. Think more about the current value of your gift in relation to the increased needs of those who have nowhere else to turn.

I can't afford to give much. Will a small amount do any good?

Generosity is always appreciated. We only ask you to give what you can. There are ways to make smaller donations go a long way. Why not consider giving up a couple of cups of coffee or soft drinks a week? Modest donations given regularly through payroll deductions can add up to major dividends for those in need. For example, just one dollar a day can provide:

• Three young children with scholarships to attend  a day of quality child care that develops the skills needed to enter school ready to learn

• A teenager with a day of after-school programming that encourages academic excellence and develops good character.

• A victim of stroke, accident or disease attending a week of aquatic therapy to manage pain, regain strength and improve mobility.

• Six working families getting a week’s supply of food through soup kitchens, pantries and other feeding programs to meet their nutritional needs and help make ends meet.

• A homebound senior receiving help with meal preparation, housekeeping and general care – and able to continue living independently.

And even more services can be covered by an annual gift of $365 -- about the cost of a soda per day.

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How can donors be sure their money is being handled carefully and spent wisely?

United Way is accountable to its contributors and undergoes separate audits each year for the United Way Campaign, Combined Federal Campaign, and Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign. An independent regional accounting firm conducts these audits. Additionally, a volunteer Finance Committee and the volunteer Board of Directors monitor United Way of Roanoke Valley use of funds monthly. Financial audits are available to the public for review and available by clicking this link.

How much of my contribution goes to help people in need?

At United Way of Roanoke Valley, more than 86¢ of every contributed dollar goes to provide vital health and human services here locally. The National Charities Information Bureau says it is OK for charities to spend up to 25% for fundraising and other costs. At less than 15%, United Way upholds a higher standard. In addition, over 25,000 local volunteers donate their time and talents to United Way of Roanoke Valley to help keep overhead expenses low.

How many agencies and services does United Way support?

This year, United Way of Roanoke Valley’s 27 partner agencies are counting on the United Way Fund to support 64 local health and human service programs. They will receive a portion of the total amount raised during campaign. A listing of funded programs is available at this link.

What are the advantages of payroll deduction?

Having a set amount deducted from each paycheck enables most donors to be more generous than they would be able to do if they gave their entire United Way contribution all at once. Nearly everyone can afford to contribute a small amount to help people in our community - although many could not afford to give a large sum at once. Payroll deduction offers a convenient, effective way to stretch your charitable dollar and make a difference in South Hampton Roads.

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How much am I expected to give?

Giving is a personal decision that only you can make based on your income and your desire to support local programs that help local people. However, many companies have instituted a "fair share" guide. You may want to check with your campaign coordinator to see what your company suggests. An alternative giving guideline is: 1% of annual salary for incomes below $35,000 and 2% of salary for incomes of $35,000 and above. United Way encourages new donors to give at least a dollar a week. Past givers are asked to increase their donations by at least 10%. Others are encouraged to give at one of the Leadership levels. Increased contributions are needed to meet the continuing need for services in the Roanoke Valley.

What is leadership giving and what are its benefits?

Leadership givers set the pace for building a stronger and healthier community by donating $500 or more annually. Leadership societies reach from the Commonwealth Society Level of $500 per year to the Alexis de Tocqueville Society level of $10,000 and above per year. Leadership givers receive recognition in the United Way of Roanoke Valley leadership giving roster and may attend special events.

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