Q & A

What is United Way of Mason County?
United Way of Mason County (UWMC) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the State of Washington in 1966. It is registered with the Washington Secretary of State’s Department of Charities. It has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be a 501(c)(3) organization for tax deductible giving.

What is the mission of United Way of Mason County?
UWMC’s mission is to develop financial support for charitable, non-profit organizations that provide health and human services to residents of Mason County, and to strengthen the county’s ability to address unmet needs.

How is United Way of Mason County related to United Way of America?
UWMC, like United Ways in most counties in the United States, is an independent corporation (not a subsidiary). Most of these county United Way organizations pay a small annual fee ($1,000 to $2,000) to UWA for use of the name, logo, and benefits from national advertising, sale of campaign items, and the work done among top corporations to promote local giving. We are not governed by UWA rules or decisions, although we endorse and comply with UWA’s emphasis on open, honest accounting of receipts and disbursements.

Is United Way of Mason County really local and independent?
Yes; we have our own by-laws and a board of directors from our community, elected annually by our members, who live in Mason County and have donated at least $10 during the previous year. UWMC cooperates with United Ways in neighboring counties but is not responsible for their decisions or policies.

How can I donate to United Way of Mason County?
UWMC and other United Ways conduct a giving campaign each year during the period September 15 to November 15. The campaign is conducted at workplaces within the county, and includes direct mail and open giving opportunities among individuals and organizations. Workplace giving may be by cash, check, or pledged payroll deduction which is fulfilled during the following fiscal or calendar year. Individuals and organizations may also contribute by cash or check directly to UWMC at any time.

Does UWMC receive donations from outside Mason County for use here?
Yes; UWMC receives donations from individuals and organizations throughout Washington and the United States, including other United Ways. UWMC also forms qualifying federations of local agencies to participate in United Way campaigns among Washington State employees (CFD) and Federal Government employees in Washington State (CFC) each fall. Some of these donations are dedicated to UWMC’s Community Fund; others are designated to specific agencies in Mason County. UWMC also qualifies and chairs the National Emergency Food and Shelter Board in Mason County, which receives and allocates significant annual funds to Mason County agencies providing food and shelter services.

How does the Community Fund work?
UWMC’s Board of Directors and a select committee of citizens from our communities review annual applications for funding from agencies serving Mason County residents, and determine how to distribute each year’s Community Fund total among applicants in a way that best meets current needs in Mason County.

How do we know what agencies do with moneys they receive?
Since it would be difficult for all of the agencies to present their work and needs to each of the many individuals and workplaces in the county, and since potential donors can not reasonably interview and investigate each of the agencies, United Way fulfills these certifications in processing annual applications to the Community Fund from agencies that serve Mason County residents.

Does money I give to United Way of Mason County go to other areas?
The Community Fund is distributed only to agencies that serve Mason County residents. Funds awarded to agencies serving multiple counties may be used only for services in Mason County.

How much were the total donations last year?
Total income to UWMC from the campaign for 2006 from cash/check donations, pledges, local and out-of-county designations, and national awards is anticipated to be approximately $242,776. The goal for total income from the campaign for 2007 is $275,000.

How much money will UWMC provide to charities this year?
Approximately $100,000 in the form of grant awards, $66,000 in designations to agencies, plus another $32,000 in food and shelter funds, for a total of approximately $198,000 in 2006.

How much of the annual donations come to UWMC from outside the county?
As a result of UWMC’s presence and fund raising efforts, approximately $80,000 was received in 2005 in the form of agency designations and donations to UWMC’s Community Fund from outside Mason County. As noted above, this is more than the total cost of UWMC operations.

How does UWMC ensure that donated funds for each campaign year are actually paid out as intended?
Records of donor identity and the amount and type of donations are maintained on the UWMC Access Data Base, which reports totals of designations and Community Fund contributions. Daily receipts are entered into UWMC’s Quick Books accounting software, along with check number, amount, donation type, and campaign year. Incoming funds are deposited weekly into one of two dedicated savings accounts for alternate campaign years, and are then transferred into a single dedicated checking account for each quarterly disbursement period. Operating expenses are paid from a separate checking account maintained for that purpose.

Can I get a receipt or an acknowledgement for my donation?
Yes; UWMC will provide a receipt for donations to the Community Fund or designations upon request. UWMC will also send donor names and addresses to agencies receiving designations when requested by donors.