What is the mission of our United Way?

United Way strives to improve the lives of local residents by raising funds through an annual community-wide campaign, then distributing those funds to local programs that address our communities’ most critical needs. In addition, United Way is in a unique leadership position to serve as community builder, fostering communication and collaboration as a way of building consensus around issues of importance.

What exactly does our United Way do?

As indicated in our organization's mission statement, our United Way identifies community needs and then raises money to address those needs. The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties is an independent, non-profit organization that partners with local health and human service organization, to address community issues.

Additionally, our United Way provides the following services to the community:

Institute for Nonprofit Learning and Management: Our United Way presents and facilitates this series of eight learning opportunities for nonprofit organizations in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Extension – Jefferson County.

First Call for Help and Information: Using telephone assistance, United Way operates this information and referral service with assistance from the Doris M. Highsmith Trust. Click here for First Call information.

Fort Atkinson’s FISH Program: A service that links volunteer drivers with individuals that need transportation to and from a medical appointment. FISH volunteer drivers drive as far away as Madison and Milwaukee and are reimbursed for their mileage.

Who oversees the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties?

Our United Way is governed by a community based, volunteer board of directors who set the organization’s strategic direction and oversee the operations of our United Way. A paid staff also manages the daily operations of our local United Way.

Where does our United Way provide services?

Our United Way serves the communities of Fort Atkinson, Hellenville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Palmyra, Sullivan and Whitewater.

How does United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties control costs and monitor expenses?

Our United Way’s Board of Directors reviews the organization’s financial statements on a monthly basis. An annual, independent audit is also conducted and presented to the Board of Directors for review and approval.

What is United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties relationship with United Way of America?

United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties is an autonomous organization from United Way of America and United Way of Wisconsin. In 2003, .0075% of the funds collected or $2062 was paid to United Way of America for marketing and administrative support which includes United Ways branding with the NFL.

How can my company participate in the annual campaign?

Our United Way can help your company determine a fundraising goal, aid in the implementation of the campaign, help set up your campaign kick-off event, answer questions about the pledge process and educate your staff about United Way so they understand how United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties helps everyone in the community. If your company would like to participate in the next community-wide fundraising campaign, please call United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties at 920.563.8880.

Don't some companies pressure their employees to give?

United Way believes that every employee should receive an adequate explanation concerning the importance of United Way and that questions should be answered. But under no circumstances should an employee be threatened or coerced into contributing. Giving is a personal matter and a personal decision.

How does an agency program receive funding?

Existing and prospective partner agencies are asked to complete a two part grant application form. The first part of the grant application form pertains to the agencies' and/or programs' financial health. The second portion of the grant application relates to the agencies' mission in providing services to the residents of our service area. Submitted grant application forms are reviewed by our United Way’s Board of Directors in February. In March, a sub-committee of the board reviews individual board members recommendations and then develops final grant recommendations for the full board to review and approve. Grants are currently paid on a quarterly cycle beginning at the end of March.

Why shouldn't I give directly to my favorite agency through United Way?

By contributing to United Way's community fund, your one contribution helps over 32 agencies and programs that service the residents of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties. If everyone designated his/her contribution to one particular agency, many services would not be available in the community. United Way believes there are two kinds of philanthropy, personal and community. United Way encourages individuals to give directly to personal causes they support, as well as to organizations that support and address multiple community needs like United Way.

Will my designation impact the amount of funding a member agency receives?

Designations make a difference to the donor, who can be assured his or her gift is only going where it has been designated. Designations are considered the “first-dollars” toward the allocation amount determined by United Way volunteers, and in effect become the minimum guaranteed amount the agency will receive. However, in the event that the total sum of designated dollars to an agency exceeds the United Way’s allocation figure, the larger designated sum is given to the agency.

When I designate my gift, does United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties charge an administration fee?

Because designated pledges to our member agencies are considered the "first-dollars" toward their determined allocation for 2005, there is no additional administration fee charged for member agency designations. However, designated pledges to other community United Ways or their member agencies are charged a fee to cover fundraising, pledge processing and pledge loss expenses, which total 5%.

I don't live in Jefferson or Walworth Counties. How can I make sure my gift will support programs in my home community?

United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties feels it is important to provide opportunities for people to give where they live through their workplace campaign. You may direct your gift to the United Way serving your home community by indicating your desire on your pledge form. The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties will then forward designations to the local United Way requested.

Does United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties fund the Boy Scouts?

The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties is funding the local Boy Scout Council; funding decisions are made by local citizens who evaluate the impact of each program.

Funding and policy decisions made by United Ways in other communities have no impact on decisions made right here at home in Jefferson and North Walworth Counties. Local United Ways are independent and autonomous. A local volunteer board of directors, who ensure the organization is run efficiently and effectively, governs the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties.

Does United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties fund abortions?

United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties does not fund programs that provide or advocate abortions.

I have a friend who did not get help when he/she needed it.

Please contact us to give us specifics of the situation. United Way will follow up directly with the program to see what the specific situation was. No one who needs help is ever deliberately refused service.

What was I charged for services when I went to one of your agencies?

Many agencies charge on a sliding fee scale, according to the client’s ability to pay. This makes it possible for United Way programs to help people who need it most.

How can I become involved as a United Way volunteer?

There are several volunteer opportunities within our United Way. If you are committed to improving the quality of life in our community perhaps one of the following areas may be of interest to you: campaign cabinet, grant review and allocations committee, board membership and/or special event volunteers. Our United Way is also able to connect you with volunteer opportunities outside our organization. Click here for more information.