Frequently Asked Questions

What does United Way do and how is it different from other nonprofit organizations?
How will my donations benefit those who need it most?
How does United Way of Utah County keep overhead costs so low?
Why should I give to United Way of Utah County in addition to what I already give to my church?
What is United Way of Utah County's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America?
What ensures United Way’s fiscal accountability?
What is United Way of Utah County's involvement in political issues?

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What does United Way do and how is it different from other nonprofit organizations?
Through United Way’s experience, it understands that the best way to help is to focus on the underlying causes of the most serious issues. Here in Utah County, United Way is focused on critical issues like financially stable families, children prepared to succeed and creating a healthy community.

It takes the whole community working together to reach goals in these areas. So United Way brings together people from all across the community—people from government, business, faith groups and nonprofits as well as ordinary citizens. If it requires fundraising, going to City Hall or just getting people to work together, that’s what United Way does.

United Way’s goal is long-lasting change that prevents problems from happening in the first place.

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How will my donations benefit those who need it most?
Not only does 100% of your contribution stay in Utah County, but it helps where it is needed most. Research has been done over the last three years, looking at issues that are affecting Utah County, conducting community assessment studies and listening to the ideas of community residents about what matters. Our focus was developed out of this research that identifies three major areas as priority issues to create a simplified focus and multiply the impact of the community’s efforts. As the community comes together to recognize important issues that can be addressed, form partnerships and organize its efforts behind specific initiatives and programs it can create long-lasting change and prevent issues like these from happening in the first place.

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How does United Way of Utah County keep overhead costs so low?
Our Corporate Cornerstone partners and individuals have designated donations to be used for United Way of Utah County’s administrative expenses. These corporate gifts cover United Way of Utah County’s low overhead of 14.7 percent (which includes 8.6 percent for resource development expenses and 6.1 percent for management and general expenses) and allow 100 percent of the donor’s contribution to create lasting change in the community. Less than one percent of our overhead goes to our national association, which funds necessary research and resources.

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Why should I give to United Way of Utah County in addition to what I already give to my church?
United Way and the religious community work together to meet local needs. Churches, in most cases, do not provide trained professionals in areas of disaster relief, spouse and child abuse prevention and treatment, or substance abuse treatment. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ First Presidency and religious leaders from the Roman Catholic Diocese in Salt Lake City, Congregation Kol Ami, Shared Ministry in Utah and Episcopal Diocese of Utah all endorse United Way and urge members to give generously. Local churches refer many individuals and families to United Way of Utah County for assistance with the needs and challenges they face.

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What is United Way of Utah County's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America?
Locally, United Way’s relationship with the Boy Scouts hasn’t changed in the last 23 years. Though United Way does not directly fund the Boy Scouts through the Citizen Review process, it does support the Boy Scouts in several ways.

United Way partners with the Boy Scouts each year for the Timpanogos Regional Food Bank food drive and directs more than $12,000 in designated contributions to them annually. The United Way of Utah County Volunteer Center also provides year-round resources for Eagle Scout projects and sponsors.

Nationally, the Supreme Court ruling upholding the Boy Scouts of America’s right as a private organization to set its own membership and leadership standards has led some United Ways to withdraw funding from the Boy Scouts. There are 1,400 United Ways across America, and this ruling has only affected a small percentage of them. Each United Way is run independently and reflects the values of the community it serves.

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What ensures United Way's fiscal accountability?
The board of directors, composed of community leaders who volunteer their time and energy to United Way, sets priorities for allocations and directs the overall budget for the organization.

Outside auditors (Squire & Co., PC) perform a yearly independent audit.

Financial statements and records can be accessed through the Financial Accountability page of United Way of Utah County Web site or can be obtained at the United Way of Utah County office.

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What is United Way of Utah County's involvement in political issues?
United Way of Utah County represents the community as a whole and therefore is not involved in any political distinctions.

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