United Way

Name: United Way
Rating: 4.3

Is This Your Business?

4.3

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26 User Reviews

4.3

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26 User Reviews

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: July 19th, 2024

United Way was founded in 1887 in the Denver area when a woman, two priests, and a minister saw a need to provide community services and support that transcended religious lines. Since then, United Way has grown to be the national support and leadership hub for over 1,200 individually-run local chapters. United Way is unique in that its mission and program is designed to support local communities; it does not offer programs as a “one size fits all” solution. This allows individual chapters to focus on offering programs that are custom-designed for their community.

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The Good

Total income
Administrative expenses
Fundraising expenses
Program percentage
Accessible financial information
Donor communication
Awards

Total Income

United Way Worldwide reported a total income of $98,998,918 in 2015. For the most part, the annual reported total income has grown from the prior year's level. The following are the reported income figures for the last several years:

2014: $89,307,915
2013: $80,661,236
2012: $95,532,043
2011: $96,808,405

Administrative Expenses

United Way Worldwide reported that it spent $4,367,243, or 4.9 percent of revenue, on general and administrative efforts in 2015. The CEO of the national chapter, Brian A Gallagher, earned a salary of $1,136,619 in 2014, which was 1.41 percent of total revenue.

Fundraising Expenses

United Way Worldwide reported fundraising expenses of $3,264,614 across all chapters in 2015, which was approximately 3.29 percent of total revenue.

Program Percentage

Each chapter of United Way Worldwide is run independently, so averages can vary. The national headquarters reported that 82 percent of total revenue was spent supporting its programs, but some chapters have reported upwards of 90 percent of revenue being used for program delivery.

Accessible Financial Information

United Way Worldwide is extremely transparent with its financial records. The organization has published reports on its website from 2000 to present. This information is comprehensive and easy to find.

Donor Communication

As is the case with most other charitable organizations, donors and volunteers can expect to be included in future communications through email, phone, and postal mail from both the national and local chapters of United Way. Those wishing to discontinue contact from the organization may do so by contacting United Way via phone or mail. United Way operates the three-digit phone number, 2-1-1, which provides referrals to community resources.

Awards

Although United Way gives many awards in the communities which are being served by its chapters, the organization does not publish awards for which it has been recognized on its website.

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The Bad

Negative press

Negative Press

United Way Worldwide has been the center of a few controversies. A scandal in 1992 involving then-CEO William Aramony involved him being convicted of fraud, serving a seven-year prison sentence, and being fined $300,000. Mr. Aramony had embezzled funds from the National Headquarters of the United Way to support lavish trips and give financial support to his mistress. Additionally, Mr. Aramony allegedly sexually harassed several female employees, offering them monetary rewards if they would engage in sexual relations with him, and having them transferred or reducing their pay if they did not agree. There are similar scandals involving individuals acting as CEOs for United Way affiliates. Ralph Dickerson, Jr., former chairman of New York City United Way, diverted $227,000 in funds from the organization for his personal use. Mr. Dickerson did not face charges and repaid the organization $300,000. In 2004, CEO of Washington, D.C. United Way Oral Suer was convicted of misusing funds and was sentenced to 27 months in prison. There are several internet statements which accuse United Way of giving money to Planned Parenthood, which in turn uses United Way funds to provide abortions. There is partial truth to this statement. United Way Worldwide, the national chapter, does not give funds to Planned Parenthood. However, some of the 1,200 local chapters do provide funding and support for Planned Parenthood. The percentage of those chapters giving money to Planned Parenthood is less than six percent, as stated by United Way Worldwide, and the percentage of funds being given to Planned Parenthood is less than one-tenth of one percent of all revenue received by United Way Worldwide. Funding may be used for family planning, but there is no definitive statement as to whether or not abortions are included in the family planning services. Perhaps the most bizarre scandal United Way has ever encountered resulted in tragedy. The scandal, nicknamed "Balloonfest '86," was a result of the Cleveland Chapter of the United Way attempting to set a world record by releasing 1.5 million helium balloons at one time in downtown Cleveland. This resulted in automobile crashes, ecological problems in Lake Erie, significant injury to two purebred horses, the shutdown of the Burke Lakefront Airport, and the inability of search and rescue crews to use helicopters to continue their search for two missing fishermen, who were later found dead. The agency was sued and reached undisclosed settlements with several parties, including one of the widows of the deceased fishermen.

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The Bottom Line

United Way has been working in individual communities since 1887. The organization is very transparent with its financial information and its program delivery percentage indicates fiscal responsibility. However, United Way has been involved in several controversies and scandals.

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4.3

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26 Reviews

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TC B Florissant, CO

As a social worker, every place I have worked we are asked to donate to the United Way through our paychecks. And yes, I always have. This is such a fantastic organization that really helps in so many areas of a community! The United Way has been around forever and I so appreciate the amount of money they dedicate to giving back rather than profiting. I have utilized the United Way services- especially with housing assistance and programs for at-risk youth through my role as a social worker. It is easy to connect with the employees and work together in order to meet the needs of our joint clients.

1 year ago Edited December 8, 2023

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Deborah Dyer Hendersonville, TN

United Way is one of those charitable organizations that my family has given to and promoted for many years. It has a 4 star rating with a 91%. United Way helps people and organizations get back on their feet not only in your own community, but all over the world you will find United Way. We like that their three main focuses of their program go toward Education, Income and Health care. 😊At one of my employer’s it worked for a few years back we did a United Way campaign gathering money for the organization and collected over $5,000.

1 year ago

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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

While working for Goodwill Industries, I would periodically donate to United Way. I believe they are an excellent organization to donate to. I called our local United Way and Kathleen was very helpful to answer all my questions.

1 year ago Edited August 14, 2023

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Amanda George IL

The United way is one of the best charities there are. Everyone involved is always so kind and patient. They have a lot of resources for people also. I have donated to the United Way for going on almost 6 years. They are wonderful and do so much to give back to everyone.

1 year ago

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Mindy Clarke Tacoma, WA

I have turned to this company so many times in my life. If you are in a situation and you need help but don't know where to start looking, call United Way, they will connect you with whatever you need!! Food, Housing, financial, domestic violence, utility assistance, legal help, and much more!

1 year ago

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Heather H Sanford, FL

United Way provides resources that are valuable to communities and people in need. United Way collaborates to help individuals worldwide. I have provided information on their resources for people through my work and United Way was extremely helpful during the pandemic.

1 year ago Edited May 1, 2023

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

I love participating in United Way community events. I love that they partner with corporations to take time out to help others by cleaning a yard, repairing a fence, painting a house... whatever it is that will make a difference in someone's life. It always makes me feel good to be a part of something bigger than myself.

4 years ago

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Thomas Hullinger Pleasant Grove, UT

I have taken part in our communities United Way Day of Caring and I have helped on schools, playgrounds, parks, and helping in the classroom. They help so many people I can't imagine the far reaching effects or their good works. They are great!

6 years ago

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Michelle Thomas Anaheim, CA

I use to give to united way monthly. I believe they were very helpful in helping kids and families. I give to other charities now. But this is good if you are looking to donate.

1 year ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

Excellent charity for services to the community. They have improved their operating costs so that more help goes to those in need. Their staff and leadership have great strategies in place to help the community. They are committed and the serve our community well.

4 years ago

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Khori Howard Tallahassee, FL

I've volunteered with multiple agencies under the United Way Big Bend, so I know and have seen the impact they make. I can truly say that the money donated does go to good use, and if you're looking to make a change then try donating/volunteering with one of their agencies.

4 years ago

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Kathryn Robinson Riverton, UT

United Way has so many great programs to provide support and assistance to residents in Utah. I really like their focus on education, financial stability and health. As a healthcare professional, I have referred many individuals to the United Way Welcome Baby program.

5 years ago

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Jowara Morgande

They helped us when homelessness effected us. There customer service was great. They provided educational help and were professional through the process.

1 year ago Edited October 23, 2023

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Mike Wilson Baytown, TX

As with any charity you are only as good as the percentage of the dollar donated actually makes it to the people in need. This is not that organization. Overpaid people in charge leads to the people who should be receiving benefits get stuffed into the wrong peoples pockets.

4 years ago

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Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

United Way was a great charity that was in one of the cities I lived in. It was obvious that it was a safe haven for locals to go to and receive help as it was always busy and people left better than entering.

4 years ago

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Tom Pleasant Grove, UT

I have participated every year in United Way's day of caring. I love their spirit and ability to do good and motivation that it gives to the rest of us.

6 years ago

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Jacob American Fork, UT

I volunteer a lot with United Way to give back to the community. I love to see the direct impact being made to help children play sports and have the opportunities that I had.

4 years ago

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Damaris Benton

I like that I can support local charities via payroll deductions.

4 months ago

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Prayer Partner Jacksonville, FL

Have you ever looked up how much money a charity actually uses for their staff and how much that actually goes to the client? We used to be able to earmark where we wanted our donation to go but I'm not sure they still do this. I haven't given to them in over 30 years now. I've decided my dollar may go a little bit further if I donate right to the company where I want to help. United Way give less of a percentage to their clients than any other charity I've ever noticed.

3 years ago

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Tom Gourley Pleasant Grove, UT

I have participated in United Way as a volunteer and as a donor. I think they are careful and frugal with their donations and they work with a variety of carefully selected quality organizations.

5 years ago

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A. M. Atlanta, GA

GREETINGS, I HAVE BEEN A LONG TIME DONOR FOR YEARS THROUGH MY JOB. EVERY WEEK THERE IS MONEY TAKEN OUT OF MY CHECK. I AM STILL WITH THE COMPANY BUT I HAVE CEASED MY DONATIONS. I HAVE FALLEN ON HARD TIMES AND I HAVE BEEN REQUESTING HELP. I CANNOT RECEIVE HELP BECAUSE MY LOST OF INCOME WAS NOT COMPROMISED DUE TO COVID.

3 years ago

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Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

My company I work for does a lot of work with the United Way and donates as much as possible to their wonderful cause throughout the year.

5 years ago

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Jaime Fratilla Pittsburgh, PA

The website literally doesn't work. Every time I try to use it, it doesn't allow me to submit ANYTHING. It's almost like they want to get a lotnof credit for helping people, but make it so we have little to no access.

2 years ago

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Alex Danielson Riverton, UT

I've been able to donate and help fundraise through United Way. Great experience! Good company with good people.

5 years ago

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M T Chicago, IL

This charity is good for their referral resources.

1 year ago

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Abigail Land Tallahassee, FL

Local boards can vary widely on oversight of funds raised.

3 years ago