Frequently Asked Questions

 A major advantage of United Way is that it offers people an opportunity to give once and contribute to a wide variety of services, each important to a healthy community. The concept of “giving once for all” has continued since 1957. A donor that might have special interest in one or more United Way funded agencies, because of a personal experience, can designate and split their one donation as a designation to multiple programs/agencies. Paid designations follow the designation process outlined in the designation policy available on the website. 

Because United Way annually funds programs for 14 local partner agencies, there might be one that you do not want to support. Please consider, however, that a decision to withhold a contribution because of one agency penalizes more than 14 others that are providing vital services. 

It is important to know that employees can designate their pledge to their “Home United Way” in their own county which includes any of their Partner Agencies. The donor should indicate their request on the designated area on the pledge form. Paid designations follow the designation process outlined in the designation policy available on the website. 

United Way of Ashland County funds our local domestic violence shelter – Safe Haven Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Center

United Way of Ashland County is its own 501(c)(3) and is overseen by a local Board of Directors who employ a full time Executive Director and two part time staff who oversee campaign/finance and community engagement. An annual financial audit is conducted by an outside CPA firm on all receipts and expenditures. To obtain a copy of the most recent Annual Financial Report for United Way of Ashland County, please contact the United Way office 419-281-5551.

The Allocation Committee is made up of a combination of community volunteers and board members. This group is responsible for evaluating the needs of our community and matching campaign resources with the most impactful programs and services in our county. This committee makes a recommendation for funding to our board of United Way of Ashland County Board of Trustees as to the most pressing needs of our community. The United Way Board has the final decision in determining the level of need and the goal for the 2024 “LEAD THE WAY” Campaign with a goal of $850,000.

To be eligible for United Way funding, agencies must: 

a. Be registered with the State of Ohio as a 501(c) 3 non-profit health and human services agency. 

b. Document effective delivery of high-priority programs and services in a reliable, cost-effective manner. 

c. Demonstrate sound financial and administrative management practices through auditors’ reports and other valid documentation. 

d. Be in compliance with all applicable laws. 

e. Be governed by a board of directors and publish an annual report. 

f. Make a formal application to United Way for Partnership. 

g. Demonstrate impact through measurable outcomes – in other words, show that they get result 

Many people give because a growing number of our most vulnerable residents – abused women and children, our elderly, homeless families, those with handicaps and those with mental health issues need support. There is a great need in our community for the services offered by the United Way Partner Agencies. You never know when a family member, neighbor, friend or even yourself, may need, or have used the services provided by a United Way partner agency. 

Every donation improves lives, all donations no matter what amount help provide solutions to the most pressing health and human service needs in our community. By giving through payroll deduction, you can spread your gift over the coming year, making it more manageable for your budget than a one-time gift. It’s not the size of the gift – it is all of us giving together that makes United Way a unique and valuable concept. Every dollar matters! 

United Way brings Ashland County together to provide what matters most – results that improve people’s lives. We are focused on critical issues like helping children succeed, assisting families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and ensuring a safety net of essential services to help meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing. One pledge to United Way combined with those of thousands of other people to fund many critical human service, health, and community programs that make a difference throughout Ashland County. 

Approximately eighty cents of every dollar collected is invested in effective programs, services, and initiatives that demonstrate meaningful, measurable results. The balance (approximately 21% based on five-year average) is operating expenses for campaign, salaries, rent, utilities, office supplies, insurance, legal/professional services, and United Way Worldwide membership dues.

Repeatedly, some of the most generous donors are those who themselves understand support by agencies is critical to health and wellness. Many times, these employees want to give back and feel compelled to do so. Everyone should be given an opportunity to participate in charitable giving, to enjoy the emotional reward that comes from knowing that he or she has helped our community become stronger and safer. Only the donor can determine whether he or she can afford to give at this time. Thanks to payroll deduction, even a small amount each pay period can add up over the year and give the employee a real feeling of connection to our community. 

Any of us may need any of the services provided by partner agencies. The life you change by supporting a United Way funded program could be that of a friend, co-worker, family member or even yourself! You never know when a United Way of Ashland County Partner Agency will provide support and help to someone you know. 

14. My spouse gives, why should I give, too? 

Giving is an individual matter. If you work, you have the opportunity to give and help others in need. You are asked to give based on only your salary, so we hope that both individuals will contribute at their own place of employment. Spouses can complete separate pledge forms and can combine their gifts for reporting purposes to be recognized at the appropriate leader giver levels. The combined gifts must be at least $250 for their names to appear in the Annual Report. 

Our agencies never deliberately turn someone down who needs help if they qualify for services. Get the facts, names, phone numbers and dates and we will follow up and get you or that person an answer. However, sometimes we find the person did not qualify for services from the guidelines for assistance from that agency. 

The answer is absolutely NOT! The United Way has partner agencies offering services to prevent teen pregnancy and to teach parenting skills and none of the Partner Agencies have any abortion-related programs. 

The contact information for the Partner Agencies appears on the United Way website at www.uwashlandoh.org/partner-agencies.

United Way counts on the contributions of time by many volunteers in Ashland County to improve lives. Numerous volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Please contact the United Way office to learn how to make an impact in Ashland County or go to the website at www.uwashlandoh.org.

United Way of Ashland County is a locally governed, autonomous organization, we are our own 501(c)(3). United Way Worldwide serves member United Ways by providing professional training, resources, research, and consulting services. One percent of campaign dollars are paid to United Way Worldwide for membership. These membership dues are for professional training, marketing, and advertising materials, research, government relations, media relations counsel, and a national corporate development program.