What is United Way?

Established locally in 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been working year-round to involve people - through contributions of money and time - to provide a vital network of services to people in need.

How much of my contribution works to help people in Santa Barbara County?

100%. With United Way of Santa Barbara County there are no regional or national offices. Your gift stays here.

What are United Way of Santa Barbara County's costs?

United Way of Santa Barbara County's fundraising costs are usually half of the national average - making your local United Way your best investment in Santa Barbara County.

What is United Way's Value?

With one gift to United Way of Santa Barbara County, you make possible a network of human care services and innovative partnerships, a Power of Partnership™ network.

Why Support a Power of Partnership™ Network?

One charity alone cannot solve local human problems. For example, successfully removing a mother and child from the ranks of the homeless (almost 30% of the homeless population) usually takes a variety of services from several sources:
 

How does United Way save me time and money?

With over 1 million charities in the USA, and 40,000 new ones formed each year, how do you know who's doing a good job? Hundreds of local volunteers provide investment oversight. They visit, examine and evaluate hundreds of programs to pick the best and most needed ones. None of us individually has the time to investigate every request for a contribution.

Why should I support services I may not use?

You may be surprised to learn that someone you know has benefited from a United Way supported program. One in three neighbors, or 80,000 local people, are helped every year by United Way supported programs.

Who should I call if I, or someone I know, needs help?

Dial 211 or visit www.211sbcounty.org 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why should I give to United Way?

Because a gift to United Way is one of the best ways to make a gift to your neighbors in Santa Barbara County. Your gift ensures that a Power of Partnership™ network will be there when anyone needs it.

My spouse gives to United Way where he/she works, so there isn't any need for me to contribute.

If spouses are both working and are asked to give at their individual places of employment, they are obviously earning two salaries. We encourage them to decide how much they would like their total family gift to be and they can make their pledge accordingly.

May I direct my contribution?

Yes, you may direct your gift in a number of ways. You may designate/restrict your gift to any qualified charity or geographic region in the USA. You may also choose to designate to the experienced volunteers who will distribute it community-wide where it will provide the most and best service. Finally, you may designate your gift to a particular area of care such as fighting alcohol abuse, or supporting seniors. You will need to complete a UWSBC Optional Designation Form to ensure that your contribution goes where directed. Request a Optional Designation Form.

You may also download a copy of the 2007-2008 Annual Campaign Gift Policy Summary.

Is my United Way contribution tax-deductible?

Contributions are tax deductible by individuals who itemize. All United Way supported charities are tax-exempt, not-for-profit health and human service providers and classified as 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service.

What is the relationship between United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of America?

United Way of America is a national trade association group that provides training, conferences, national corporate and employee giving information, national marketing (e.g. National Football League), and coordinates the national Emergency Food and Shelter grant program from Congress which brings more than $150,000 each year to Santa Barbara County people. United Way of Santa Barbara County purchases these services from United Way of America at an annual amount of approximately $20,000, which is paid from interest income, not from annual fund donors.

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