Frequently Asked Questions

United Way of Taylor County is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that partners with a network of member agencies and other partners to improve people’s lives and build a stronger community. We support agencies that work in the areas of health, education, financial stability, and basic needs.

A volunteer Board of Directors and professional staff ensure that United Way is working effectively and efficiently to improve people’s lives.

To qualify for consideration as a partner, an agency must be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization; led by a volunteer Board of Directors and provide health and human services to residents in Taylor County. Any agency that meets the basic requirements for membership consideration and believes it is providing services that align with United Way's priorities and does not duplicate an existing program partner should contact United Way (715) 748-3000 for more information.

Through the application process the board of directors evaluate community needs, program efficiency, and review program results. This helps United Way of Taylor County and the community to determine where to invest donations that have the greatest impact.

Over 98% of your gift remains in Taylor County helping families, neighbors, and co-workers. We voluntarily pay dues to our state and national associations in exchange for valuable information and referral services, consultation, supplies, trainings, and grant opportunities. Networking with other United Ways allows us to share ideas, materials, and other resources. As always, all of our decisions are made locally by staff members and a volunteer board of directors who know this community.

United Way of Taylor County does not provide direct service.  We partner with local experienced nonprofits to provide services and support to our community.  If someone was unable to get assistance from a United Way funded program, most likely, the person asked for a service the agency couldn't provide or went to the wrong agency for the services needed. Eligibility guidelines are sometimes dictated by government regulations or other funding sources. United Way is ready to look into any instance where someone feels help was unjustly refused.

When you give to United Way, you invest in high-quality, results-oriented programs managed by United Way’s board of directors. Nonprofits are also able to use United Way allocations as matching funds for state, federal, and private grants-something a direct donation can't do. Because our member agencies don't need to spend as much money fundraising, more money goes to services in the community. United Way also offers resources, materials, professional development opportunities, and support to strengthen the ability of all local agencies to serve their clients most effectively. Low administrative costs here and reduced fundraising costs at our member agencies mean that more money goes to services in the community.

Partner programs will receive their designations or their allocation, whichever is greater. Designations to unaffiliated agencies will not be allowed. The donor shall be contacted for further instructions. 

All donations are considered general donations unless specified as designated donations. Partner programs will receive their designations or their allocations, whichever is greater. Designations to unaffiliated agencies will not be allowed. The donor shall be contacted for further instructions.

A designated gift restricts your gift to a specific 501(c)3 organization. An undesignated gift takes advantage of United Way’s thorough, research-based program selection that gets the money to the issues and areas that need it most. This allows you to help the most people and do the most good for our entire community.

An undesignated gift to United Way of Taylor County allows you to help more people than a gift to a single agency could. Our community’s problems are interrelated and only United Way’s diversity of programs work to address the complex issues in a way that no single agency can. When you choose United Way as your partner in giving, you choose the best way to achieve results and make a difference right here in our county. Your gift does more than just support people who are in urgent need right now, you also support meaningful, long lasting change that impacts the entire community.

Yes. United Way of  Taylor County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your donation is tax deductible as allowed by current federal and state tax law.