United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra FAQ

2007-2008 Campaign

Diamond Donor Information Form [.pdf]

 

United Way Video

What is United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS)?

  • We are a local, independent non-profit organization founded in Reno in 1942 as the Reno Community War Chest.
  • We are guided by our mission statement:“We link the community’s will and resources to improve lives.”We believe that the best way to build our community and improve people’s lives is by bringing people and organizations together to change the conditions that create our most pressing human needs.
  • The administrative expenses of these charities are significantly lower than in the past.  For instance, through a special agreement with NSHE, the United Way and Community Health Charities makes sure that 95 cents of every dollar goes directly back out to the community. 
  • We serve 8 counties in northwestern Nevada (Washoe, Carson, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Churchill, Mineral and part of Pershing) and the California communities around Lake Tahoe.
  • We bring together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and faith groups to identify our communities’ important human services issues and work together to create solutions that make a difference.
  • We raise dollars each year to support vital community services with United Way’s Community Fund.
  • We educate people about community needs through presentations at hundreds of workplaces, in the media, and at other public community forums.

  • We maximize the impact of your gift by combining your gift with others to address the most critical needs in the community.

What is the difference between United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, other local United Ways, and United Way of America?

United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra is part of a national network of locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people’s lives. United Way of America helps local United Ways accomplish their missions by providing research, training, technical support and other important services that local United Ways cannot do efficiently alone. Local United Ways pay one cent per dollar of the amount they raise for UWA services. We operate independently of United Way of America and the other 1200+ locally governed United Ways.

What is the Community Fund?

The Community Fund is the best investment you can make in your community. Local volunteers study the community’s needs and then invest the fund in ways that support long-lasting change. When you make a contribution to the Community Fund you can be sure that your contribution will be managed to achieve results and carefully allocated to programs and initiatives that address the underlying causes of the community’s most pressing problems.

Why should I give to United Way when I already give to my favorite charity?

UWNNS focuses on human services to ensure that a full range of services is available and that agencies work together to help clients. That way, your United Way contribution is invested in bringing lasting change, improving lives, and building stronger communities in the region.

Economies of scale help us to effectively fundraise for health and human services throughout our service area. Our community-wide fundraising model reaches more than 200 workplaces. If nonprofits had to do this fundraising, collections and verification work on their own, it would increase their costs and take their focus away from delivering services to the community.

Another advantage of giving to United Way is that we maximize the impact of your gift by combining it with others to address the most critical needs of the community.

I don’t like one of your Partner Agencies; someone I know didn’t get help from that agency.

All complaints will be investigated thoroughly. If you have a complaint, please contact our CEO and President at 775-322-8668 or P.O. Box 2730, Reno, NV 89505.

We know that people sometimes dislike the policies or practices of one agency or another. United Way believes is that while everyone may not like every organization or everything about the services included, there is value in a full range of services being available in our community.

Can I make a contribution to my favorite nonprofit through the UWNNS?

Yes. You can make a contribution to any 501(c)3 organization of your choice by writing the name and address of the organization on your contribution form in the space provided. To keep costs as low as possible for our contributors, we require a minimum gift of $52 per agency.

Has United Way processed my gift? How can I get information about my contribution?

Please contact our finance staff at 775-322-8668.

What's your overhead?

The United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra has a special agreement with the Nevada System of Higher Education which ensures that 95 cents of every dollar contributed by University and other NSHE employees during the charitable giving campaign goes directly back out to the community.  A few ways we keep our expenses low: good management practices and a commitment to organizational efficiency, a high level of volunteer participation and leadership, in-kind services provided by our partners, and responsible investments.

What if I feel pressured to give?

United Way has a clear non-coercion policy, and does not endorse or support coercion in any form. Our community impact is made possible because so many people give voluntarily. Any semblance of pressure (whether real, implied or perceived) is contradictory to our operating standards and organizational values. If you feel that you have been pressured to give, please contact your Employee Campaign Manager to express your concern, or contact our donor development staff at 775-322-8668.

What oversight does your financial reporting receive?

Our Board of Directors oversees the management of United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra. Service on the Board is not compensated. Our Administrative Committee is comprised of volunteers including Board members that review and approve our annual budget and financial statements, which include annual fundraising results, community investments and operating expenses. Our financial statements are audited annually by an accounting firm which certifies that its financial statements are in full compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). A copy of the most recently audited financial statements are available online at www.uwayreno.org and by request.

How can my nonprofit receive a Community Fund grant from United Way?

To be eligible for a United Way Community Fund grant, your organization/ program must be aligned with our mission and focused funding areas, serve within our region and also be accredited through our Standards of Excellence process.

How can I get information about the status of contributions directed to a nonprofit through the United Way campaign?

Please contact our finance staff team at 775-322-8668.