FAQ

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Through United Way, each person can involve themselves as a responsible citizen of our community, individually and as a representative of the company. Company support is equally important. Many companies believe that a single annual fundraising campaign is the most efficient and economical method for contributing to vital services locally. Giving through United Way, our contributions go further to meet real needs than when we give individually.

United Way funds such a wide variety of organizations, you or a family member probably been helped without even knowing it. Examples might include American Red Cross, Girl Scouts and YMCA to name a few. Even if you have never needed service from one of our agencies, we can never know when our life situation might change- traffic accidents, sudden illness, mental or emotional stress, a child’s developmental disabilities, or other crisis may come to us without warning. Your gifts to United Way make possible the specialized services and support that you, your neighbors or family many need in times of difficulty.

On average, at least $.85 of each dollar goes to the agencies of our own community.

Each person must consider personal and family needs when considering their ability to give to the United Way. In two-income families, both persons should determine how much based upon individual income. The United Way, or company pledge card, provides a suggested giving guide.

No. Every agency is a separate organization with its own board of directors and staff that determines its mission and the services by which to carry out that mission. The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign helps to eliminate some of the costs incurred by the individual agency’s own fund-raising. Importantly, it allows more time to the agencies to provide services for those in need.

Our agencies provide a wide variety services, from affordable child care for working parents, character building programs for children and youth, emergency assistance, including shelter for the homeless and those in crisis, food prescription drug assistance, family counseling, substance abuse counseling and prevention, assistance and training for the mentally and physically challenged.

No. United Way dollars go where they will do the most good for the entire community and are aimed at all people. Some services may be restricted by income or other criteria. Perhaps you, a neighbor or coworker or family member has benefited from the services of a United Way agency.

No. Funds are allocated on the basis of the agency’s needs, other sources of income balance against the community’s needs and the amount of money raised in the community campaign.

All agencies develop additional sources of revenue such as:
grants, government contracts, membership fees to name a few. When determining the annual allocations, the local United Way considers the agency’s other sources of income.

United Way funded services are used by people from all walks of life - not as a charity but as an aid to everyday living. People can afford to pay, do so; others pay the apart they can afford. For those who cannot pay at all, United Way funding helps make up the difference

While in almost all Florida counties, county government provides funding to human services agencies such as many that the United Way supports, Collier County commissioners voted to do away with “charitable giving” in 1992. Your tax dollars and your charitable dollars do not support the same county services.

Yes, your contribution is tax deductible.

United Way of Collier County serves Naples, Immokalee and surrounding communities. United Way advances the common good by focusing on the building blocks of a good life - Health, Education, Income and Other. By using its knowledge of the community’s most pressing needs in these areas, United Waydirects resources to the very best programs that improve lives and build a stronger community. United Way also gives every local citizen the opportunity to participate in charitable giving to support.

We can be contacted at (239)261-7112 or emailed at webmaster@unitedwayofcolliercounty.org.

No. Each local United Way sends less than 1% of its overall annual contributions to UWA. Locally, interest earnings pay this small fee, not campaign contributions.

No. Currently United Way of Collier County does not provide direct assistance nor do we offer 2-1-1 in our community. Please visit one of partner agencies for assistance.