Campaign FAQ's

What is a United Way campaign?

The United Way campaign is the best and most efficient way to make a difference in our community. When your workplace holds a campaign, you have the opportunity to make regular contributions to United Way through convenient payroll deduction, and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The amount you donate is completely up to you and is withheld from your paycheck each time. Most companies hold their campaigns in the summer or fall, and deductions begin in the following January and continue through December. Funds raised through the campaign are distributed to carefully screened local nonprofits (called partner agencies) who provide services in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and basic needs. Your donation also supports United Way programs such as VolunteerUnited.net and NC 211.

Why should I participate in a United Way campaign--why not just give directly to my favorite charity?

When you give to United Way, you are making an investment in the community, and you can be sure that your donation will support local nonprofits serving local people. There are several other things to consider:
  • When someone needs help, very often they need more than one thing. For example, a family that needs food assistance may also need help with health care or transportation to work. No one agency can provide everything a family might need, but a donation to United Way supports multiple agencies that, working together, can help families get back on their feet.
  • United Way agencies go through a rigorous process to be approved for funding. They complete a thorough application and provide extensive financial information that isn't generally available to the public. Teams of community volunteers carefully review the entire package and also interview the agency director. The teams then make a funding recommendation to the United Way Board of Directors. Not every agency that applies is approved; agencies must demonstrate that they are making an impact and that they are using resources wisely. 

How do I know that my money stays in the community?

It is the policy of United Way of Lee County that donated funds must be used to assist persons in Lee and Harnett Counties of central North Carolina. If you would like us to send your donation to another United Way or to an agency that is located somewhere else, we are happy to do that. Otherwise, what you give here stays here to make a difference in our community.