Q: Why should I give to United Way?

A: Your gift through United Way is an investment in local programs such as the Community Care Fund that help people build their lives through financial stability, health, and education programs. Read more in the United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) Annual Reports.

Q: Why should I give to United Way when I don’t want any of my money going to one of its funded partners (agencies)?

A: No problem. You may exclude any or as many specific agencies as you wish when filling out your pledge card (called “negative designation”). Likewise, you may designate some or all of your contribution to one or more specific agencies (“positive designation”). You can even designate part or all of your contribution to any health and human service agency—whether or not it is a United Way funded partner.

Q: Why should I give to United Way when it will take some of my gift for administrative costs?

A: The UWTC’s administrative costs are, in fact, very low compared with many nonprofits. Because Cornell is a Cornerstone Contributor, 100 percent of the funds raised by the Tompkins County campaign are put to work locally*. Plus, funded partners are spared the extraordinary expense of creating fundraising structures and staff members within their organizations.

Q: None of these agencies help my family or me, so why should I support them?

A: No family or individual in Tompkins County is totally untouched by the work of United Way funded partners. Many of us benefit directly—and all indirectly. United Way’s funded partners promote self-sufficiency, education, and youth development; they support children and families, senior citizens, and health and wellness. Also, many people, at some point in their lives, cannot help themselves and need our helping hand. Even though you or your family may not be clients of a particular agency, you can be sure someone where you work or your children go to school or play is served by an agency, thereby enriching your life.

Q: I live in another county. Shouldn’t I just give my charitable contributions to my own county?

A: Your interest in helping people in your home community is appreciated. United Way has an arrangement with funded partners in surrounding counties. If you want your money sent to another area, just indicate your wishes on your pledge card, and the United Way you designate will receive it. If you give through payroll deduction, note that your pay stub will indicate that “UW Tompkins” is the recipient; however, the gifts are sent to the county you specified on your pledge form.

Q: Can I still contribute to the Boy Scouts of America, Baden-Powell Council?

A: Yes, even though the Baden-Powell Council is not a member organization, you may direct your gift specifically to this agency (or several other agencies) as you wish.

Q: Why should I give to the United Way when your funded partners charge fees?

A: Even though United Way raises a great amount of money, it never could raise enough to fully support all services for all people. Wouldn’t you want to pay for services if you could? That’s why those who can afford to pay for all or part of the services are asked to do so according to their ability.

Q: How will my gift to United Way be reported for income tax purposes?

A: Based on IRS Regulations, donors who make a one-time gift of $250.00 or more (either by cash, check, or credit card), or who give a gift of stock (any amount), will receive a letter from United Way Tompkins County regarding that gift for tax purposes. For gifts less than $250.00, donors should use their canceled check or payroll stub as verification for tax purposes.

Q: Why does Cornell support United Way instead of other charitable organizations in Tompkins County?

A: This decision was made to support the funding needs of as many of the local non-profit agencies that support members of the Cornell community and their families as practicable and to permit employees to make individual gifts in an economical and efficient manner. The University has also chosen to support the United Way with a Cornerstone gift because of the importance of these United Way agency services to members of the Cornell community and wanting our employee dollars to go for services rather than the administrative costs of the United Way.

Q: Why doesn’t Cornell offer giving options to national and international causes?

A: It has the potential to pull away from local agencies. The United Way is one of the few organizations that target employee campaigns in large measure because so many employees of local organizations take advantage of the services the funded partners provide. There are few other umbrella groups that structure this mission.

Q: What’s the difference between a “Partner” and an “Affiliate”?

A: Partner Organizations are eligible for the UWTC Community Care Fund gifts and the Shipherd Flexible Fund, in addition to other grants, including funding from our Youth & Philanthropy Programs on a competitive basis. The organizations participate in a regular financial and programmatic review by a team of community volunteers and agree to adhere and comply with all of United Way of Tompkins County’s policies and procedures. Affiliate Organizations can access the Shipherd Flexible Fund on a competitive basis along with other grants, including funding from our Youth and Philanthropy Programs. These agencies take part in an initial audit, site visit, and submit annual reports to United Way. Affiliate organizations agree to comply with all United Way of Tompkins County’s policies and procedures.

*100% of your gift to United Way of Tompkins County’s Community Care Fund, two targeted impact areas of care, forty-three member organizations, special initiatives, or another United Way will benefit those programs and services directly. All other designations are charged a nominal processing fee by United Way of Tompkins County, not to exceed 2% of the total gift amount.