FAQ
What Makes United Way Different?
United Way is a volunteer-led, non-sectarian, non-political, non-denominational and autonomous charitable organisation. Our role in supporting the Geelong community requires the collaboration and involvement of business, professional and community organisations.
Why Give To United Way?
With one donation, United Way uses your gift to support over seventy local human care agencies, taking the guesswork out of giving. By having only 6.6 paid staff and an army of volunteers, United Way keeps administration costs to the bare minimum, which allows us to donate as much as we can to help those in need.
United Way adopts the concept of collective, coordinated fundraising, to eradicate the need for multiple appeals, door knocks and reduce the number of solicitations to businesses. When you join United Way, you can be involved in a ‘team approach’ to helping your own local community.
How does United Way allocate donations?
United Way allocates donations through our Community Partners Committee. The Community Partners Committee consists of three to five board members and the Executive Director. When a new organisation makes application to United Way the committee meet with representatives of the organisation to ensure they meet the requirements and to explain how the organisation functions. A recommendation is then made to the Board and if accepted they may apply for funds at the next round.
To be eligible for funding the organisation must provide services in the Greater Geelong Region in health, welfare, education or support. They need not be a Geelong agency but must provide the services in the region. United Way does not fund the organisation. It does support programmes, provide equipment and sometimes supports staff salaries and may help pay for some running expenses.
What is a health and human-care organisation?
A health and human care organisation is one that helps those most in need in our community including the aged, families, youth, people in crisis situations, children and people with disabilities.
Is United Way a national or local organisation?
United Way is a local, autonomous not-for-profit organisation, with our own volunteer board of directors who are locals and have an understanding of the issues facing our region. Although United Way is a concept that is evident around the country, each United Way supports Community Partners in their own specific area and has its own events and fundraising efforts.
How do I know that my donation will help those who need it most?
The money raised and distributed by United Way Geelong is carefully invested in local programs run by local agencies who provide services of health and human care. Each organisation has to establish a proof of need and each year review requests for program funding accordingly. Your donation reaches over sixty health and human care organisations, who in turn service the most needy members of our community coming from the areas of Aged care and services; family, youth and children’s services; support for people in crisis; disability services and health.
