Frequently Asked Questions 

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Volunteers. The United Way of Deschutes County is independent and is governed by its own thirty-five member volunteer board of directors. Additional volunteers are responsible for the fundraising campaign, the allocations process and Days of Caring—our annual helping-hands event.

Giving through the United Way of Deschutes County is a convenient way to help people who really need help in our community and the Corporate Cornerstone program ensures that 97 cents of every dollar you give will go directly to where it’s needed most. If you are giving via a payroll deduction plan, you support community programs and services on a regular basis without having to provide funds all at once. And the money raised stays right here in Deschutes County. The United Way of Deschutes County also provides results—so you can see your money at work. And you can rest assured that volunteers have invested time and effort in the process of making sure the United Way is doing the best job they can for the one-in-three who will seek help in Deschutes County.

The United Way of Deschutes County endeavors to keep administrative and fundraising costs as low as possible—between 17 and 20 percent. During 2007, the Corporate Cornerstone program was implemented. Our Corporate Cornerstone partners direct their annual gift toward administrative expenses, which means (currently) 97 percent of individual contributions go directly toward funding agency programs and services.

The United Way of Deschutes County currently funds 26 partner agencies. (A full list is available on our Web site: deschutesunitedway.org.) These agencies focus on our most urgent human social service needs: meeting basic needs of individuals and families, keeping children and families safe from violence and abuse, helping kids get a great start in life, and keeping youth on track for success.

Each organization receiving funds from the United Way of Deschutes County must be a verifiable non-profit organization with a volunteer governing body; each must have its finances audited annually, provide a needed service at a reasonable cost, and have a policy of nondiscrimination, among other qualifications.

Volunteers—people like you—decide how much is distributed to each agency. The Community Impact Review Committee (CIRC) is responsible for the annual review of each agency. CIRC is comprised of volunteers representing all segments of our community; they work together to measure results, procedures, budgets and finances. The allocation of contributions to the United Way is a continuing review process to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.

Yes. Any 501(C)(3) non-profit organization can be designated. In addition to give to the cause you are passionate about, we encourage you to designate a portion to the Community Impact Fund—these dollars go to where they will make the most urgent impact in the community.

Research and assessment of community problems and needs; identification of emerging needs and promotion of new programs are all important to us. We also work behind the scenes to coordinate services and bring groups and resources together to find long-term solutions to issues affecting our community. We provide management and technical assistance to agencies. We also support the Central Oregon 2-1-1 helpline. And our signature event is Days of Caring—two days in May when agencies and volunteers come together to complete projects that need attention.

2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people to important community services and volunteer opportunities. This is the first number to call when you look for help; the service is free, confidential and available throughout Central Oregon.

You will find more information and sign-up forms for Days of Caring and other volunteer opportunities on our Web sit: deschutesunitedway.org You can also call the United Way office at (541) 389-6507. Or contact us via e-mail: info@deschutesunitedway.org.