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Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common myths and misconceptions about the United Way
Explore FAQs about the United Way’s mission and fundraising efforts, and see how we’re addressing common misconceptions about the United Way. If you’re a volunteer or campaign coordinator and are looking for more information, visit our Volunteer Resources page.
FAQs
What does United Way do?
United Way works to ensure every individual in every community has the opportunity to thrive. They maximize the impact of collective community donations and provide operational and programmatic support and expertise to nonprofits on the frontlines of delivering essential services. They have fulfilled this mission for more than 100 years with the support of business organizations, nonprofit agencies, government, community leaders, volunteers, and caring donors.
How does United Way raise money?
United Way is fortunate to operate in a caring and generous region. The average donor provides $2 a week. They are also extremely fortunate to have generous individual donors. The United Way takes their fiduciary responsibilities very seriously and work hard to maximize the impact of every donation received.
Why should I give to the United Way?
United Way delivers impact at scale by leveraging the power of collective donations to support a powerful network of interconnected local nonprofits and services. Even small donations have a significant impact when combined with other donations. A gift to United Way supports a network of over 1,100 nonprofits across our six-county region, helping individuals access food, housing, health care, out-of-school support, careers, and more.
How do you determine which nonprofits receive funding?
The nonprofits United Way supports touch the lives of one of three of our neighbors, but the needs of our community are beyond the reach of any single organization. They have to make difficult decisions informed by data on community needs and a rigorous assessment of potential nonprofit partners, with a strong focus on their ability to meet those needs. United Way’s impact largely depends on the ability to adapt to evolving community needs. In keeping with that goal, United Way recently revised their funding model in their 2025 funding cycle to offer single-year grants in addition to our traditional three-year grants.
United Way will continue to offer a full suite of services and resources to the nonprofit community, including donor designation, Volunteer United, ROC the Day, and Day of Caring.
Does my donation stay in my community?
Yes. All donations to the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes stay in our region.
If I have a favorite nonprofit, can I donate to them through United Way?
Yes. They have two ways to donate directly to your favorite organization: their giving event, ROC the Day, and their donor designation program. 100% of your donation goes to the requested recipient.
I don’t have a lot to give. Can I make an impact?
Absolutely. United Way’s average donor is $2 a week, which can help a struggling student get after-school help or provide desperately needed transportation for older adults struggling to get to medical appointments. Your donation has even more impact when combined with other donations.
How is United Way addressing the issue of systemic racism in our region?
The entire team at United Way is deeply committed to their mission, to mobilize the goodwill and resources of the community so everyone can thrive. United Way believes that working to eradicate systemic and structural racism is a key part of this role.
How can I make a monetary donation?
Visit our ePledge page to learn how you can donate.
How can I volunteer?
Contact us if you’re interested in becoming a University of Rochester volunteer or Campaign Coordinator. Or, talk with your office’s Campaign Coordinator to learn more.
You can also visit United Way’s Volunteer page for more opportunities.
Are there resources or materials available to help volunteers and Campaign Coordinators?
Yes, visit our Volunteer Resources page for helpful downloadable materials.
Common United Way myths and misconceptions
Myth: My donation doesn’t stay here in the community
100% of your donation stays local and supports the causes, organizations, and communities you are passionate about. Every United Way is a stand-alone entity locally governed with missions that are locally identified and directed; we are one of the most local national charities in terms of governing body and operations. The Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes chapter does pay United Way Worldwide around a 1% annual fee out of their operating budget, which in turn provides their staff support and training, branding and marketing resources, group rates on technology and services, and more—all resources that help us better support the needs in our communities.
Myth: I don’t have a lot to give, so I can’t make much impact
The average donor is $2 a week. That $2 a week gives a local child one week of after-school learning and provides two older adults with round-trip transportation to get safely to medical appointments, grocery shopping, social events, and more. There is power in individual action and collective giving. Your gift, combined with others, significantly impacts our community. You are creating a better, stronger region—one ride, one meal, and one day of after-school programming at a time.
Myth: Most of my donation is going to overhead and operating expenses, so I should just give to agencies directly
United Way has an 8% fee for overhead and operating expenses. Charity Navigator awards the highest score for fundraising costs if they are 10% or less, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance indicates that a charity should spend no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. That 8% fee supports the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes’ work of collective giving, convening regional partners, crisis response coordination, and developing and expanding services available to the community, including Volunteer United, our Leadership Development Programs, and non-profit resources.
Myth: United Way programs just provide handouts and are a band-aid solution to our community’s problems
United Way is addressing community impact at scale. They are uniquely positioned to understand community needs, identify disparities, and improve lives through direct service, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy. They are dedicated to identifying the greatest needs in the community and investing Community Impact Fund dollars in evidence-based and preventative programs. All United Way partner programs and initiatives are monitored, measured, and evaluated regularly.
Myth: United Way only helps people in the city of Rochester
The United Way invests in a network of partner programs that help people all across our entire 6-county region. Learn more about the programs they invest in.
Myth: We’re forced to give to United Way
We would never want anyone to feel forced to support something they don’t believe in. United Way does not encourage companies to coerce employees to give. The United Way works with companies to help them offer it as a simple, convenient way for their employees to invest in our community.
Myth: United Way doesn’t provide any volunteer opportunities
The Volunteer United platform supports nonprofits and mobilizes volunteers to assist with urgent community needs. Over 14,000 volunteers are matched with meaningful opportunities to help local nonprofits annually. The portal is continually updated and offers virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities that match volunteers’ time and talents. Learn more about United Way’s volunteer opportunities.
Myth: Nobody gives through their workplace anymore; the United Way model doesn’t work
The United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes is 500 companies and more than 700 campaign champions strong! They are fortunate to have the support of so many companies and employees in our 6-county region and feel honored they connect with us for their philanthropic giving. In addition, the ways in which the United Way engages with organizations continues to evolve beyond the traditional workplace campaign. From the ALICE experience and kit building to cause marketing, United Way is meeting organizations where they are and finding new, inspiring ways to engage teams and invest in community. Learn more about all their corporate partnership opportunities.
Myth: United Way doesn’t need the support because they received a sizable gift from Mackenzie Scott in 2020
United Way was fortunate to receive a one-time $20 million gift from Mackenzie Scott in 2020. This gift was meant as a transformational investment, not a programmatic investment and not a replacement for or a contribution to the annual campaign. United Way convened a Board of Directors taskforce that monitors the investment of this gift. A majority of this gift has been invested back into the community through crisis response grants, Equity Fund grants, Bridge Support funding and standing up the new 2025 single-year and proactive grants. The remainder of the gift has been invested in United Way to support infrastructure long deferred and critical for leveraging funds and supporting our nonprofit community well into the future, including technology in community meeting rooms, data warehouse, and a new website for ROC the Day.