About Us

FAQs

What is United Way?

United Way of the Piedmont is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people living and working in Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties.Volunteers review agency programs and initiatives and invest in those programs that positively impact the most critical needs of our community.

Which agencies or programs may receive allocation from United Way of the Piedmont?

Any tax-exempt, nonprofit organization which conducts programs in the following areas can apply for funding through our panel-review process:

  • Nurturing Children

  • Helping Youth Succeed

  • Strengthening Adults & Families

  • Neighbors Helping Neighbors

  • Connecting Seniors

  • Promoting Health & Wellness

Who determines how much money agency programs receive?

Councils of trained volunteers conduct site visits, review the applications and participate in a Q&A session with the agencies applying for funds. The volunteers score, rank and deliberate the effectiveness of the programs and decide how to invest based on measurable outcomes.

How much of my contribution actually goes to help people?

United Way of the Piedmont strives to be cost efficient and maximize the amount of dollars being invested in the community. Our administrative and general fundraising cost is 10%. To put that in perspective, it is 42% less than the average overhead for all United Ways and 20% less than the Top 100 Nonprofits.

How many paid staff does United Way have?

United Way of the Piedmont has staff responsible for fund-raising, community impact, financial administration and operations. There are 11 full-time positions and 4 part-time positions.

Why should I give? I never use United Way services.

Juvenile crime, access to health care, neglect of the needy, emergency assistance in times of crisis—these concerns affect everyone in a community. When the community improves, all of its citizens benefit. Because United Way funded services are community-wide, they reach beyond the care provided by a single group. A gift to United Way is a clear expression of concern for your community.

Since I live in another county, why should I give here?

You can direct your donation to the county where you work or the county where you live. There are many programs that cross county lines and serve individuals from surrounding counties. If you wish to designate your gift to the United Way in the county where you live, simply request a donor choice card.

Can I give to specific agencies?

Yes. United Way encourages donors to the Community Impact Fund so the most critical issues can be addressed and the entire network of services necessary for someone to reestablish a self-sufficient life can be strengthened. If a specific nonprofit 501©(3) organization is especially important to you, please indicate on a donor choice card.

What if I feel pressure to give?

United Way has a non-coercion policy, so no one should be forced to give. United Way is made possible because so many people give voluntarily, and voluntarism is what United Way is all about.

What is United Way of the Piedmont’s position on funding Boy Scouts?

United Way of the Piedmont has supported youth services in our community for over 60 years. One of the first organizations to receive funding was the local Boy Scouts Council, and we continue to fund Boy Scout programs today.

Someone I know didn’t receive help from an agency supported by United Way.Why?

Perhaps they did not meet the agency’s criteria for receiving assistance, or maybe there was a lack of funds available. Many times financial constraints are the barrier. That is why investing in the community through United Way is so important. If there is a current need of assistance, please contact the United Way office for referral assistance.

What is the relationship between United Way of the Piedmont and United Way of America?

United Way of America (UWA) is a national training and service center providing services to local United Ways across the country. United Way of the Piedmont pays membership dues to UWA in return for services which include use of the United Way name and logo, market research, promotional items, national advertising and training for staff. There is no national United Way, and United Way of America does not act as a parent organization to local United Ways.

Are campaign volunteers paid?

No. In fact, it probably costs them money to work for United Way. From the campaign chairman to the hundreds of other volunteers, not one is paid for any services rendered. In addition to giving their time, talents and contributions, they pay for all expenses incurred in working for the campaign.

Why do some agencies charge for services?

Agencies supported by United Way serve all of us, not just the poor. If there is a fee for service, it is usually based on one’s ability to pay, and represents another source of income for the agency. This is necessary because United Way cannot cover the full cost of a program’s operation.

Does United Way support Planned Parenthood and agencies that promote or perform abortions?

United Way of the Piedmont does not support any program or organization that promotes, endorses, performs or makes referrals on abortions.