About Us

What is United Way of Metropolitan Dallas?

• A nonprofit organization that has been leading community change for 85 years.
• Our mission is to improve lives in our local communities (Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and Southern Denton counties).
• We partner with the best agencies to invest in results-driven community programs.
• We focus on impacting Education, Income and Health.

Why does United Way focus on Education, Income and Health?

• They are the building blocks for a successful life.
• Everyone deserves a chance to have a quality Education that leads to a stable job, enough Income to support a family to live in good Health.

What is United Way doing about people suffering in the current economy?

• We provide help for hard times and beyond—United Way partner agencies report increased demands this year of 20-40%. 
• United Way supports the 211 phone service—the best resource to access health and human services.
• Created a new Web site: www.UnitedWayDallas.org/HelpforHardTimes, which provides resources including foreclosure prevention, health insurance options, credit counseling, job fairs, continuing education, student loans and more.
• Launched the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! program, which helps families file tax credit claims and receive financial education. Families can use the program to become financially stable and save for the future. In 2009, more than $8 million was put back into the pockets of hard-working Dallas families.
• United Way programs also provide job training services.
• Corporate and community donors remain dedicated to providing resources to meet the critical needs of our community by partnering with United Way.

Who oversees the finances of United Way?

• Operating budget is audited by an independent accounting firm. 
• Reviewed by volunteer Finance Committee and Board of Directors.

What is the administrative cost for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas?

• Sixteen cents of each dollar raised is used for administrative costs. 
• This makes us a leader in low-cost community impact.

What is the United Way role in Community Disaster, Preparedness, Response and Recovery?

• Communicate, connect and coordinate with the leading preparedness, response and recovery entities in the DFW area, including nonprofits, corporations, and governmental and faith-based representatives.

Community Partners and Agencies

How do I know that agencies supported by United Way will use the funds responsibly?

• Oversight by stewardship panels composed of community volunteers.
• Volunteers ensure agencies adhere to sound fiscal policies.

Why does United Way support some agencies and not others?

• Want to achieve greatest impact.
• Only invest in results-driven programs.
• Focus on improving Education, Income and Health.
• Many nonprofits do not apply, because of our stringent standards.

Why do some agencies charge fees?

• Partner agencies may charge based on the constituent’s ability to pay.

When did Collin County and Greater Lewisville United Ways become part of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas?

• United Way in Collin and Southern Denton counties merged with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in 2006.
• Purpose was to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
• There was no interruption of services in either community.
• There continues to be substantial United Way funding of agencies in Collin and Denton counties.
• Since not all services are available in these counties, residents also receive a variety of important services from United Way agencies based in Dallas County.

LIVE UNITED: Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

What is LIVE UNITED?

• The United Way call to action to our community.
• Its purpose is to mobilize resources that improve the lives of North Texans.

Is the community being asked to Give or Advocate or Volunteer?

• We encourage our community to LIVE UNITED by doing all three.
• Open your heart by Giving.
• Act as an Advocate and tell others about United Way’s work and results.
• Donate your time as a Volunteer.

Give

Why should I give to United Way?

• Provides help for hard times and beyond—United Way partner agencies report increased demands this year of 20-40 %.
• Achieves results in Education, Income and Health in communities where you live and work.
• Multiplies the impact by enabling partner agencies to match or leverage three times the amount of other funding.

I never use agency services, and I don’t know anyone else who does. Why should I give?

• Poverty impacts the success of our businesses, our economy and the future of our community.
• United Way is advancing the common good in hard times and beyond.
• You never know when you or someone you know may need a United Way service.

Does my donation go to agencies all over the country?

• No.
• Donations help residents in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and Southern Denton counties.
• We pay less than one percent to United Way of America in annual dues.

Is my United Way contribution tax deductible?

• Yes.

Our employees and their families are struggling, how can we ask them to give?

• Demand on our agencies has increased 20-40%.
• Some of those who have given to United Way in the past have struggled and now need a helping hand.
• Everyone should have an opportunity to express caring through philanthropic giving.
• Benefit of payroll deduction—small amount each pay period rather than lump sum.

Advocate

What does it mean to advocate?

• Use your voice and spread the word!
• Tell friends, family and co-workers about United Way.
• Wear your LIVE UNITED t-shirt.
• Investigate opportunities for public policy work on the United Way Web site.

Volunteer

How can I volunteer for United Way or a United Way agency?

• Visit www.liveuniteddallas.org/volunteersolutions for information on ways to volunteer.