Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does GMUW determine which programs should be supported?
    • GMUW, in collaboration with several other non-profit organizations, government agencies, the media and volunteers, assess the strengths and weaknesses of our area.
    • GMUW partners with other agencies to create awareness of the value of prevention and to encourage preventative practices in order to avoid problems occurring in the future.
    • GMUW seeks to make a positive impact by supporting organizations and initiatives that address the underlying problems in our society and actively works to solve those problems.

  • What issues and programs is GMUW focusing on in order to make that positive impact?
    • GMUW is working toward building sound communities, encouraging healthy habits, assisting families to thrive, creating safe neighborhoods and fostering the independence and productivity of the elderly and disabled.
    • GMUW collaborates with other organizations that share the same mission of creating better quality of life by promoting reasonable economic growth, working on the most pressing health issues that affect people in our communities, introducing fun programs that help parents interact with their children and improve their learning skills, by participating in Vermont’s 2-1-1 Information and Referral System and providing information on emergency preparedness, and by assisting the programs for the elderly and disabled that keep them vibrant and active in their communities.

  • Why is it beneficial for GMUW to help many different kinds of agencies and the greater community?
    • A single gift through GMUW helps more people in more ways than a gift to a single agency can.
    • Many people need the help of more than one agency.
    • GMUW provides a wide range of services to agencies such as budgetary planning, community assessment, networking opportunities, etc.
    • GMUW provides quarterly workshops and an informative newsletter to insure agency leaders are aware of latest developments and can avoid overlap of services.
    • GMUW’s community assessment helps everyone with making informed decisions on how to expend funds in a way that will make the most effective impact on the community.
    • GMUW provides media and publicity opportunities for non-profits to help them market their services to the general public.

  • What other ways does GMUW help local non-profit organizations?
    • GMUW participates in a Goods & Services program by receiving donated items from local businesses that are new and used (but in good condition). These items include office supplies, equipment, computers, backpacks, and craft supplies to distribute to organizations that are in touch with clients, individuals and families with these needs.

  • Are United Way supported programs just for the low-income?
    • Dollars contributed to GMUW are allocated where they will do the most good for the entire community.
    • Program services are aimed at helping all people, regardless of income level.
    • One of the advantages of giving to the United Way is the assurance to you, the donor, that dollars are allocated to agencies in accordance with community needs, and not just as handouts to those who refuse to help themselves.

  • How does GMUW keep costs low?
    • GMUW raises funds for many organizations at once, thus giving agencies more time to focus their skills on service programs.
    • We educate the public about agency services through presentations to businesses and organizations, keeping marketing costs down for member agencies.
    • We depend on volunteer time and talent.

  • Why give to the Green Mountain United Way?
    • The GMUW:
      • Funds local health and human service programs.
      • Is a local organization supporting local needs.
      • Supports community-based outcome planning.
      • Studies community needs and strengths.
      • Collaborates with government agencies and other groups, like the Vermont Dept. of Health, local Chambers of Commerce and county partnership groups to collectively assess and address local economic and health issues.
      • Participates in collaborative efforts to provide goods and services to non-profits.
      • Provides training open to all non-profits.
      • Can bring more resources to local communities because of state and national ties.

  • How is the money spent?
    • taking surveys, talking with civic leaders and looking at community assessments.
    • Each agency’s budget and programs are reviewed to track where funds go, to eliminate overlapping of services and to assess the stability of the organization.
    • The money is then dispensed to those programs that meet the needs and fulfill the strategies of GMUW’s Community Assessment.

  • Why have a United Way campaign?
    • It is the single annual fundraising drive that helps provide a multitude of services is the most efficient, economical method yet devised.
    • Volunteers can combine their resources for one appeal instead of many individual drives.
    • Contributors see their human service dollars go the furthest to do the most good, helping support many agencies through one gift.

  • Why should I support these programs when I know I’m not going to use their services?
    • Some people give because they want to maintain services in case they might need them, like for disaster assistance or home health care for an elderly relative.
    • A number of people give because they know people in the community who cannot help themselves, like an abused child, handicapped person, displaced worker or the mentally ill. They need the services so they can learn to eventually help themselves.

  • Do United Way member agencies have other income?
    • Yes, most agencies have developed additional income sources such as foundation grants, government contracts, membership enrollment programs, special events and service fees based on an individual’s ability to pay.
    • Income from all sources is reviewed and considered by volunteers prior to determining the amount to be allocated by the United Way.
    • In many instances, GMUW helps agencies find resources to fit collaborative programs.

  • How carefully are agency expenditures reviewed?
    • By periodic financial reports and annual audits.
    • Funds are allocated through a process called “citizen review.”
    • The Board of Directors of each agency must present their requirements for funding to the United Way volunteers.
    • Volunteers are responsible for looking at local needs and allocating funds accordingly.