Frequently Asked Questions
What does United Way do?
United Way of the Greater Triangle brings together local partner agencies, nonprofits, government volunteers and experts in Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties to focus on lasting changes to key issues. United Way of the Greater Triangle was born out of the consolidation of the United Ways of Durham, Orange and Wake counties in 1996 and the addition of Johnston County in 2009. The consolidation reduced overhead costs while allowing for the expansion of services across the region. With the help of thousands of volunteers, United Way of the Greater Triangle, is now working to build our community. Last year, we touched the lives of more than 300,000 people in need across Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties.
What is the United Way of the Greater Triangle Privacy Policy?
You can find the entire privacy policy here.
Are volunteers at United Way of the Greater Triangle paid?
No, our volunteers are donating their own time and energy to help United Way of the Greater Triangle with our events, campaigns, and committees.
Are United Way contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, if you itemize. However, there are certain limitations. Donors should consult with their financial advisor for details.
Is this United Way part of United Way World Wide?
All local United Way's across the US are local organizations run by local volunteers and staff. For each of those 1,100 United Ways, United Way Worldwide serves as a trade association. It is similar to a teachers association, plumbers association, or a medical association. We affiliated with United Way Worldwide in 1996. United Way Worldwide provides us with training opportunities, research information and national advertising. For these services we pay them a membership fee. United Way Worldwide has no administrative control over United Way of the Greater Triangle, nor do we control what they do. We are NOT a local chapter of a national organization. United Way of the Greater Triangle is, and always has been, a local organization.
Why should I give to UW and not directly to an agency of my choice?
United Way of the Greater Triangle offers donors the opportunity to support the entire community and maximize their giving by supporting GIVE UNITED, which provides a wide-range of services to meet community needs. GIVE UNITED ensures that an individual's total needs are met. Contributing through United Way of the Greater Triangle also offers smaller local agencies the advantage of fundraising, while freeing up their limited staff to focus on providing services. Additionally, United Way of the Greater Triangle offers donors the opportunity to designate a gift to a specific agency. We offer this for donors' convenience and to enable them to take advantage of payroll deduction, which is the easiest way to give. United Way of the Greater Triangle would never discourage direct giving if a donor prefers that option.
Who decides where the money goes?
People like you, right here in the Triangle! More than 300 community volunteers, experts, and agency representatives work together to identify community needs, reduce duplication of services, and close gaps in services as they invest donors' gifts in the areas of health, income, education and safety in the Triangle.
How can my favorite nonprofit charity receive funding through United Way of the Greater Triangle?
Agencies receive funds with program funding as partner agencies and through donor designations.
Where can I volunteer?
You can start by visiting the volunteer section of our website. We have opportunities available for individuals and groups with local agencies and within United Way.
What is UWGT's Non-Discrimination policy?
United Way of the Greater Triangle's minimum standard requires partner agencies to provide a board approved non-discrimination policy that ensures access to services regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin and age, with the additional factor of the client’s sexual orientation in Durham, Orange and Wake counties (not in Johnston.) Additionally, United Way of the Greater Triangle encourages the "best practice" of comprehensive (including sexual orientation) non- discrimination at the board, volunteer and staff levels of its partner agencies as well. Orange County’s required policy for partner agencies is comprehensive. The non-discrimination policy is the only standard of partner agency accountability that is county-specific.
How do designated donations affect funding levels?
Donor designated contributions have no effect on the amount of funding received by a participating organization through the allocation process. The allocation of funds to participating agencies is decided by a group of volunteers each year.
Why doesn't United Way fund organizations that help animals or the environment?
United Way raises and distributes funds to programs that help solve human problems in the areas of income, education, health and safety. There are people in this community who are hungry, homeless, disabled, illiterate, battered and neglected. While we regret that there are animals who are also mistreated and environmental issues that need attention, these are not the focus of our mission. As a United Way donor, you can designate your gift to any 501(c) 3 organization in the world.
My boss coerced me into giving to United Way. What should I do?
United Way strongly urges employers to be sensitive to the highly personal nature of charitable giving. If you feel you are, or have been, a victim of coercive tactics to require you to give, please notify the campaign coordinator at your company or your supervisor. If you don't feel comfortable discussing your concerns at your company, please call your United Way. We will happily and discreetly return money, speak with your company's officers, or take whatever steps necessary to ensure that coercion does not play a part in your company's campaign.
When will our designated agencies receive their dollars?
Payments are remitted on a quarterly basis and are generally paid within 30 days at the end of each calendar the quarter. For example, first quarter payments will be processed by the end of April based on the percent paid by the company. Timing may vary based on company specific rules.