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­­Frequently Asked Questions

What does United Way do?­

What does United Way do?­
How does United Way help my own local neighborhood and community?
What's the difference between giving to United Way versus directly to an agency?
How can I contribute to United Way?
Who decides where my money goes?
How can I volunteer with United Way?
What if I feel pressured to give?
Are United Way donations tax-deductable?
How can I get help from a United Way agency?
Why do some agencies charge fees for services?
Why isn't my favorite agency a partner?
Who runs United Way?
How is United Way related to other United Ways?
How can I contact United Way?

The United Way of Eastern Maine helps people in five counties care for one another. Your donation allows 43 health and human service agencies to serve 55,000 people in Eastern Maine each year. United Way agencies strengthen families, provide job counseling and training, offer affordable childcare, keep seniors active and involved, reduce and prevent health problems, help people overcome disabilities, build safer communities, provide disaster relief, prevent violence and more.

United Way's community-wide fundraising effort is the most efficient way to maintain and improve these services. More than 82 cents of every dollar you contribute goes directly to help people. Less than 18 cents pays for fundraising costs and administration. Money raised in the campaign is used in our region to help your neighbors and your family. Read more.

How does United Way help my own local neighborhood and community?

Contributions

What's the difference between giving to United Way versus directly to an agency?

A gift to United Way's Community Fund is an investment in your community that supports local programs and partnerships that are helping the elderly to stay active, increasing community education resources, assisting people with disabilities to be independent, meeting basic needs of individuals impacted by crisis and providing support to individuals transitioning to self-sufficiency.  Community fundraising costs would more than double if every agency had to raise the funds United Way provides. Please support agencies you know, but also consider a "first gift" to United Way for the entire community network of services.  Every year, United Way volunteers decide where your money can do the most good to keep our agency network strong. We need to make sure these agencies receive the resources they need to do this important work. Your gift provides direct services to over 55,000 individuals in need here in Eastern Maine.

How can I contribute money to United Way?

Thank you for helping someone who needs you. Your employer may conduct a workplace campaign where you can make a contribution each year. If not, please donate online. Or call the United Way at (207) 941-2800 if you would like to set up a campaign in your workplace.

Who decides where my contribution goes?

More than 60 trained United Way community volunteers from Eastern Maine review each agency's financial condition, management strength, board composition and results to decide how many dollars to award. General community needs and total available dollars also determine the amount each agency receives. Read more.

How can I volunteer my time to help others?

The United Way is proud to be a partner with VolunteerMaine.org.  VolunteerMaine is a volunteer matching website and statewide partnership that aims to increase the capacity of organizations through volunteerism and collaboration.   You can help by choosing an organization to help, donating items and more. Visit Volunteer Maine. Thank you.

What if I feel pressured to give?

Contributions to United Way are voluntary and your personal decision. We do not support any form of pressure on donors to give or requirements regarding how much to give.

Are United Way donations tax-deductible?

United Way of Eastern Maine is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. As such, donations to the United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual's or corporation's circumstances. Donors who contribute $100 or more by check to United Way will receive an acknowledgment from United Way. A copy of the cancelled check and the acknowledgement together act as evidence of a donation for purpose of a tax return. Those contributing through payroll deduction in their workplace should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer that summarizes the amount withheld for the United Way during their tax year. In the event that goods or services of more than a nominal value are received in exchange for a gift (such as buying an auction item), only the donation in excess of the value of the good or service is considered to be tax deductible. Donors are encouraged to consult their own tax professionals to determine the extent to which their donations are tax-deductible in their own circumstances.

Agencies and getting help

How can I get help from a United Way agency?

United Way proudly supports 2-1-1 Maine, a referral service that will connect you to an agency to help you. Call 2-1-1 Maine for information and referral to health and human services in your area. 2-1-1 is free and confidential and operators are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Why do some agencies charge fees for services?

Operating an agency requires more money than United Way and other sources cover. Fees charged by an agency are based on ability to pay. Agencies also help those who cannot pay. That's why your United Way contribution is so important to so many people.

Why isn't my favorite agency a United Way member?

Many worthwhile agencies that help people may not meet United Way guidelines. Each agency must apply for admission and go through a formal review process by community volunteers. Some agencies may not want the level of review or restrictions in fundraising that are required by United Way. Others may feel they can raise enough funds on their own.

Administration

Who runs our United Way?

Our United Way is run by volunteers. The United Way of Eastern Maine Board of Directors includes volunteers from all parts of the community who provide the governance of the organization. The Board establishes policy and sets the strategic direction that United Way staff implement and follow. 

How is our United Way connected to United Way in other cities? 

The United Way of Eastern Maine is independent and self-governing. The money you contribute stays here to help residents in our five-county area. We are not connected to other United Ways except through "best practices" sharing with United Ways of Maine and United Way Worldwide in Alexandria, Virginia. Our local Board of Directors manages the fundraising and distribution of money raised here and assumes responsibility for the integrity and stewardship of our operations.

How can I contact United Way? 

Send us your questions or comments by e-mailing info@unitedwayem.org. 

If you need help, please call 2-1-1.