• What are the benefits of giving to United Way of Greater Milwaukee if I don’t live in Milwaukee?
• What does United Way do with my contribution
• What is the Community Impact Fund?
• How does United Way select the programs funded through the Community Impact Fund?
• How is United Way of Greater Milwaukee connected to United Way of America?
• Who runs United Way of Greater Milwaukee?
• How much of what I give is used for administrative and fundraising expenses?
• Is United Way committed to diversity?
• What is the Impact Card?
• Why should I give directly to United Way rather than designate my gift to a specific agency?
• May I designate my contribution to any 501(c) nonprofit organization?
• How does United Way handle designations?
• Does United Way fund abortions?
• Can I claim a tax deduction for my United Way contribution?
• Is my United Way contribution deducted from my pre-tax or after-tax pay?
• What documentation do I need to claim a tax deduction?
• Can I give a stock gift?

What are the benefits of giving to United Way of Greater Milwaukee if I don’t live in Milwaukee?

The benefits of a vibrant city radiate far beyond its geographic borders. Having a safe place for families, opportunities for students, a lower crime rate and the ability for corporations to attract and retain employees are just a few examples of how a stronger community benefits us all.

Whether you live, work or play here, the health of the city impacts us all. Your contribution improves lives in Milwaukee County, parts of Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

Back to top

What does United Way do with my contribution ?

United Way invests your contribution to United Way in the Community Impact Fund or the specific initiatives you selected. If you designated part of your contribution to a Donor Choice agency, United Way forwards it to them. .

Back to top

What is the Community Impact Fund?

Your undesignated contribution to United Way becomes a part of United Way’s Community Impact Fund, a targeted fund dedicated to our community’s most critical issues including poverty, youth
development, job training and teen pregnancy prevention.

Back to top

United Way invests in programs and organizations aligned with our community’s most critical issues. Through in-depth research, United Way community volunteers and experts determine which agencies’ programs can best address the problems. Volunteers regularly monitor the agencies to ensure that United Way only invests in programs that produce positive results.

Back to top

How is United Way of Greater Milwaukee connected to United Way of America?

United Way of America is a national organization that provides services and support to 1,400 local, independent United Ways across the country. United Way of Greater Milwaukee has its own 510(c)3, is independently governed by a local board of directors and pays dues to United Way of America. Money raised in Greater Milwaukee stays in our community, supporting local programs and helping local people.

Back to top

Who runs United Way of Greater Milwaukee?

A volunteer board of directors sets local United Way policies and works in partnership with a professional staff administering the day-to-day operations.

Back to top

How much of what I give is used for administrative and fundraising expenses?

United Way of Greater Milwaukee is one of the most efficient fundraising organizations in the country, with low administrative and fundraising expenses. United Way invests 89% of the money raised in the annual community campaign in community problem solving – far exceeding the Better Business Bureau’s recommended minimum of 65%. Thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers each year, United Way of Greater Milwaukee is able to minimize costs, keeping administrative and fundraising expenses low. .

Back to top

Is United Way committed to diversity?

Yes. United Way reflects all the people who live and work in the greater Milwaukee area. From our volunteers and donors, to our staff and the people we help, we embrace and celebrate the diversity of our community, which makes us stronger as an organization and drives positive change in our community.

Back to top

How does a donor qualify to receive United Way’s Impact Card?

The Impact Card is a special benefit card that is a year-round thank you for donors who have contributed $150 or more to the Community Impact Fund. It offers discounts at entertainment venues, restaurants and local businesses. To receive the card, donors should provide their home address in order for the card to be mailed to them in late December.

Back to top

Why should I give directly to United Way rather than designate my gift to a specific agency ?

You can give to United Way, or through United Way to a qualified agency. By giving to United Way you can make the greatest possible difference and help the most people by supporting the Community Impact Fund and its network of services which address our community’s most critical issues. A direct donation to United Way is the most effective and efficient way to make a lasting change.

Back to top

May I designate my contribution to any 501(c) nonprofit organization?

No. When you give through United Way to a designated organization, your donation can be directed to a previously approved agency of your choice. Gifts to designated agencies are not monitored by United Way, and require a deduction of administrative fees. Designations are, however, counted as part of your United Way campaign. A donor may designate to any health and human service agency that meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Any regularly-funded United Way agency (member agency)
• Specific 501(3)c non-affiliated health and human service organization located in the state of Wisconsin that was approved by United Way of Greater Milwaukee by December 31, 2003
• Any United Way organization in the United States
• Any Community Health Charities-funded agency

Back to top

How does United Way handle designations?

United Way forwards donor designations to qualified, approved agencies. Agencies (even member agencies) may use donor designations at their discretion and use is not subject to United Way monitoring of funds or programmatic results. Designations to United Way member agencies are paid out separately from and in addition to regular United Way funding.

Back to top

Does United Way fund abortions?

No, United Way of Greater Milwaukee does not, has not, and will not fund any abortion program or service.

Back to top

Yes.

Back to top

It is deducted from your after-tax pay.

Back to top

Please see general answers below. In addition, donors should consult their tax advisors for more specific guidance.

• Payroll Deduction: For contributions through payroll deduction, your final year-end paycheck and your pledge form will substantiate your total United Way contribution for the year.
• Check: For contributions to United Way by check, your cancelled check is your receipt. For contributions of $250 or more, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will automatically provide you with a letter stating that nothing was given to you in exchange for your contribution. This letter will be provided to you no later than January 31 of the year following the gift. For contributions of less than $250, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will provide a similar letter at the request of the donor. Donors should be sure to copy their pledge form, which is also a form of receipt.
• Stock: For contributions of stock, United Way of Greater Milwaukee will automatically provide you with a letter communicating the amount of the charitable deduction and confirming that no goods or services were given to you in exchange for the contribution

Back to top

Yes, any marketable security traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or over the counter may be contributed to United Way of Greater Milwaukee. If you wish to make a stock contribution, please contact Susie Shefchik by phone 414.263.8144 or email sshefchik@unitedwaymilwaukee.org.

Back to top