United Way of Santa Barbara County-Workplace FAQ


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What is United Way?

Since 1923, United Way has held a reputation as the community’s fundraiser. But United Way does not just raise money. It works year-round mobilizing the community to change conditions.

United Way brings people and resources together to create lasting, positive change in the lives that need it most. Today’s United Way has a focused, results-driven system, working to help people live better lives. Through strong partnerships with volunteers, local business, government and nonprofit organizations, United Way accomplishes what no one can do alone.

What is United Way’s Vision and Mission?

• Vision - In our community, everyone has a hopeful future.
• Mission - Right here, right now, with the Power of Partnership™, we are improving lives for children, families, seniors and you!

What is United Way’s Strategic Goal?

To achieve measurable community impact in three defined areas:
• Independent Seniors: at home and connected; family caregiver assistance.
• Successful Children & Youth: early learning; school partnerships and after-school care.
• Strong Families: family violence prevention and treatment; economic stability.

Why give to United Way?

Through funding, volunteer development, and leveraging dozens of local non-profit and public sector agencies, and directing our own unique multi-agency initiatives such as Fun in the Sun (a summer academic and behavior enrichment program for poverty-level and homeless children and their families), United Way of Santa Barbara County seeks to create lasting, meaningful solutions rather than short-lived approaches to community problems.

We value:

• Caring – we are committed to people helping people every day . . . one generation voluntarily and compassionately paving the way for future generations.
• Innovation – using the Power of Partnership™ , we connect strengths, multiply resources, and create the best ways to make measurable improvements in local lives.
• Trustworthiness – we are the finest stewards of your donated time, ideas and money.
• Leadership – we initiate, influence and support desired positive changes in our neighborhoods and communities.

How does the Power of Partnership™ work?

Through the Power of Partnership™, whether a neighborhood project or a community-wide initiative, United Way of Santa Barbara County unites people from government, business, education, faith groups, non-profits and ordinary citizens to develop innovative strategies for community change that will have an impact for years to come. To learn more visit www.partnershipsb.org.

What is United Way’s Added Value?

With one gift to United Way of Santa Barbara County, you make possible a network of human care services and innovative partnerships. Your donation becomes more than the amount you write on your check or on your pledge form. It is also more than a singular investment. It attracts other money from many different sources and other services, from government, non-profits, businesses and organizations.

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

100%. With United Way of Santa Barbara County, your gift stays here.

How does United Way save me time & money?

With over 1,200,000 charities in the USA and 40,000 new ones formed each year, how do you know who’s doing a good job? Nearly one hundred local volunteers provide investment oversight. They visit, examine and evaluate hundreds of programs to pick the best and most needed ones. These volunteers do what none of us individually has the time to do - investigate every request for a contribution.

Who supports United Way of Santa Barbara County?

Over 9,000 of your neighbors, from Carpinteria to Santa Ynez, make a financial contribution that helps improve the lives of more than 80,000 people each year—more than one in three local residents. In addition, almost 3,000 local people, young and old, volunteer with United Way of Santa Barbara County each year. Visit www.volunteersbc.org.

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.

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.

Can't find the answer to your question? Submit a question using our online response form.

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