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Our Ratings
Charity Navigator annually rates over 5,200 charities. For the fourth consecutive year, we've received the highest 4-star rating
The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau also rates charities based upon 20 formidable standards. We've met them and have received the bureau's charity seal.
Facts & Figures
Get some quick information on how United Way of Greater Milwaukee works within the community, what the need is in Greater Milwaukee, and who is affected.
FAQs
Our Frequently Asked Questions area will provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions about United Way and our Community Campaign.
Where We Serve
United Way’s reach extends beyond Milwaukee County and its central-city neighborhoods into suburban and rural areas throughout Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties. Find out how far we reach.
Newsroom
For the most current coverage of our activity in the community and our most recent press releases, please vist our nrewsroom.
For articles and press releases from previous years, please enter our archive.
Impact Newsletter
The Impact Newsletter provides donors with information on how United Way of Greater Milwaukee is using their donations to improve lives within the community.
Board of Directors
United Way of Greater Milwaukee's Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from every area of the community. They oversee the direction of the organization and provide the leadership needed for us to continue to grow and serve the community.
Our History
United Way has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The organization has gone through many changes, but remains as one of the world's largest and most successful charitable organizations.
Annual Report
Our Annual Community Impact Report provides information on our programs and initiatives, including statistics on the individuals who are helped.
Click on the PDF icon to open a downloadable copy of the report.
IRS Form 990
To ensure accountability and openness, we post our Form 990. This is our annual tax return that shows exactly how much money we raise, our investments and expenses.
Click on the PDF icon to open or download a copy of the report.
Inclusion Statement
United Way of Greater Milwaukee embraces diversity in all forms and realizes that the success of our community is dependent upon the inclusion of all who work, live, and enjoy the myriad of activities available within the region.
Code of Ethics
We are committed to the highest ethical standards. Our success and reputation depend upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with our organization.
Click on the PDF icon to open a downloadable copy of our code.
Privacy Policy
United Way of Greater Milwaukee NEVER sells or trades information about its contributors to any other organization or person. Your pledge information is known only to you, United Way and, to the extent necessary, those in your company responsible for conducting your workplace campaign or processing
your pledge.
Similarly, United Way does not release information about which nonprofit organization(s) you designate through the Donor Choice process. Even the organizations you designate will not know your name unless you specifically authorize release of your name to them.
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What are the benefits of giving to United Way of Greater Milwaukee if I don’t live in Milwaukee?
The benefits of having a safe place for youth, opportunities for students, a lower crime rate and the ability for corporations to attract and retain talent ripples out into the community as a whole, reaching far beyond the borders of the city.
Whether you live, work or play here, Greater Milwaukee is a part of your community. Your contribution improves lives in Milwaukee County, parts of Waukesha and Ozaukee counties and Germantown.
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What does United Way do with my contribution ?
United Way invests your contributions 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 that organization.
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What is the Community Impact Fund?
Your direct, undesignated gift to United Way becomes a part of the Community Impact Fund, which is the pool of money United Way has available to support all Safety Net programs and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty initiatives. It is directed toward our community’s most critical issues, including poverty, youth development, job training and prevention of teen pregnancy. United Way distributes dollars from the fund to programs that are monitored by volunteers, and staff to ensure results.
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How does United Way select the programs funded through the Community Impact Fund?
United Way continually assesses our community’s most critical needs. Funded programs must align with these community priorities. Through in-depth research, United Way community volunteers and experts determine which agencies’ programs can best address these critical problems. Funds are then distributed to these programs annually based on priority alignment, program effectiveness and agency fiscal responsibility. Volunteers regularly monitor the agencies and programs to ensure that United Way only invests in agencies that manage their money responsibly and programs that produce positive results.
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How is United Way of Greater Milwaukee connected to United Way of America?
United Way of America is a national service organization that provides services and support to nearly 1,300 local, independent United Ways across the country. United Way of Greater Milwaukee has its own 501(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 Greater Milwaukee, supporting local programs helping local people.
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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.
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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 accepted 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.
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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.
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How does a donor qualify to receive United Way’s Impact Card?
The Impact Card is a special benefit that is a year-round thank you for donors who have contributed $150 or more to the Community Impact Fund or its targeted care areas. 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.
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If I stop working for my current employer, what happens to my payroll-deducted pledge?
Since your employer will no longer be providing a paycheck from which to deduct your pledged amount, your contributions will end. Your pledge does not automatically get routed to your new place of employment or to you at home.
If you change jobs or are no longer working, please contact United Way’s Finance Department at 414.263.8145. At that time, you can decide whether you are able to fulfill your original pledge, or whether you wish to adjust it. United Way offers several billing or credit card options for individuals. If you have switched jobs and your current employer runs a United Way campaign, it is possible to set-up payroll deduction through the new employer.
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My spouse gives for both of us, why should I give to United Way?
Research with donors indicates that they perceive one of the most significant benefits of personal giving is the feeling of being part of a collective effort to solve problems and make a difference in their community. That sense of community involvement is derived from joining with fellow employees in the United Way effort at the workplace.
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Some of our employees and their families are on tight budgets. Should we invite them to be part of the campaign?
Yes, most people appreciate the opportunity to participate. In fact, 50% of donors last year gave $100 or less. Giving through payroll deduction is convenient, and even a small amount each pay period makes a difference.
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Why should I give directly to United Way rather than designate my gift to a specific agency
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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.
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May I designate my contribution to any 501(c) nonprofit organization?
No, not all 501(c) (3) non-profit organizations are eligible for designations under the United Way of Greater Milwaukee Donor Choice Policy. A donor may designate to any health and human service agency that meets the following eligibility criteria:
- Any regularly-funded United Way agency (member agency)
- Specific 501(c) (3) non-affiliated health and human service organization located in the state of Wisconsin that was approved by United Way of Greater Milwaukee prior to December 31, 2003
- Any United Way organization in the United States
- Any Community Health Charities-funded agencyBack to top
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How does United Way handle designations?
United Way forwards donor designations to qualified, approved agencies. Agencies inclusive of 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.
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The Boy Scouts?
Yes. United Way of Greater Milwaukee funds programs of the local chapter of The Boy Scouts of Milwaukee County. The local chapter has signed United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s Letter of Assurance, which all member agencies must sign. The signed statement means they agree to adhere to United Way policies that ensure anti-discrimination, fiscal accountability and program effectiveness, while helping over 10,000 local youth.
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Does United Way fund abortions?
No, United Way of Greater Milwaukee does not, has not, and will not fund any abortion program or service.
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Can I claim a tax deduction for my United Way contribution?
Yes.
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Is my United Way contribution deducted from my pre-tax or after-tax pay?
It is deducted from your after-tax pay.
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What documentation do I need to claim a tax deduction?
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.
- 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.
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Can I give a stock gift?
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/.p
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| If you have any other questions, please call (414) 263-8100 or email us at liveunited@unitedwaymilwaukee.org |
