Below are answers to frequently asked questions in the following categories:
General Questions
What is United Way?
Established locally in 1911, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg serves Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan and Richmond. United Way advances the common the good by focusing on the building blocks of a good life – Education, Income and Health. By using its knowledge of the community’s most pressing needs in these areas, United Way directs resources to the very best programs that improve lives and build a stronger community. United Way also gives every local citizen the opportunity to participate in charitable giving to support our region.
Does United Way provide any direct services?
Yes. By simply dialing 2-1-1, you will reach United Way's Information & Referral Center where trained specialists are available seven days a week, 8:00 a.m. to midnight. One call to 2-1-1 connects you to a variety of human services available throughout the region.
Who runs our local United Way?
Dedicated volunteers, with support from United Way’s professional staff, oversee every aspect of the organization. Community leaders monitor and govern United Way's financial operations and ensure that funds are prudently managed. Volunteers from the corporate sector lead the annual fundraising campaign. Diverse groups of volunteers – often ordinary citizens – serve on Action Councils that focus on addressing critical human service needs.
What is the relationship between our local United Way and United Way of America?
Our United Way is a local organization run by community volunteers who determine all policies, procedures and decisions. We are completely autonomous from United Way of America. Our United Way does receive training, advertising resources and consulting services provided by United Way of America.
How do I contact a Customer Service representative?
United Way's Customer Service representative can be contacted at (804) 775-6472 or emailed at customerservice@yourunitedway.org.
Funding
How do I know that the money I invest in the community through United Way will be spent efficiently?
More than 100 experienced volunteers ensure that your dollars are invested in quality programs and innovative initiatives that get results. These dedicated volunteers continually monitor and evaluate each funded program for effectiveness and measure the results achieved.
What is the Community Action Fund?
The Community Action Fund is the most powerful way to invest your contribution and influence the condition all. How? Your investment is combined with the investments of other generous individuals and companies to support the best package of human service programs available in the region. Experienced volunteers work together to understand the most pressing needs in the community and invest in the best programs to solve those issues. Every program funded through the Community Action Fund is monitored, evaluated and measured for effectiveness. This way, United Way can validate that your investment gets results and makes a difference.
What types of programs does United Way's Community Action Fund support?
United Way invests in quality programs and innovative initiatives in three focus areas: Education, Income and Health. Improving the lives of the most vulnerable among us creates the kind of lasting change that means a stronger community for us all.
Why should I give to United Way if you or an agency hasn't helped my family or me?
A gift to United Way is an investment in the health and safety of our community. And, chances are either you or someone you know has been helped or supported by a United Way funded program. We support a wide variety of organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs, Friends Association for Children, Circle Center Adult Day Services, and many more. Plus, your gift ensures that services like emergency shelter or disaster assistance will be available, if you ever need them.
Who decides how much is distributed to each agency’s programs?
More than 100 volunteers from diverse segments of the community serve on Action Councils in each of United Way’s three focus areas. These volunteers work together to understand our region's human service needs and invest dollars in solutions. Additionally, the Action Council volunteers monitor programs year-round, evaluate effectiveness and measure the results achieved.
Does United Way provide funds to the Boy Scouts?
Yes, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg invests in the local Boy Scouts Heart of Virginia Council. The local Council partners with neighborhood-based community organizations to bring scouting opportunities to a variety of children. Scouting gives these children the opportunity to develop leadership skills in safe, positive environments. The organization's Scoutreach effort supplies uniforms, handbooks, and camping trips to children whose families are unable to afford these items.
United Way’s funding decisions are based on a program's ability to address the most pressing needs in our community. The diversity of programs United Way supports allows people to choose the best fit for their particular needs, values, and beliefs.