Frequently Asked Questions

How much of my donation goes to services versus administrative costs? We believe that a donation to Mile High United Way is the best way to help the most people. In addition to putting your dollars to work helping people in need, we are committed to keeping our administrative expenses low. We invest 85% of all donations toward programs and projects, exceeding the Better Business Bureau guidelines which suggest that 65% of total expenses for charitable organizations be spent on program activities. What is the difference between a gift to Mile High United Way and a designated gift to an agency? There are issues and problems within our community that are bigger than we are as individuals.  No single organization or individual can tackle these issues without help.  By giving to one or all of Mile High United Way’s three initiatives instead of designating your gift to one agency, you can impact a variety of the community’s most pressing needs all at once, with one single gift.  That’s the power of collective generosity.

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TIP! Keep answers short, sweet, and to the point. When possible, always begin with a direct answer (“Yes,” “No” or “I don’t know” and then elaborate).

I prefer to give to XYZ organization.  Why should I switch to Mile High United Way?

You always have the option of designating your Mile High United Way gift to any 501(c) (3) organization.  However, here are  reasons why giving directly to Mile High United Way can make your gift go further:

	Because of our 2-1-1 call center, our collaborations and the connected nature of our three initiatives, we are uniquely positioned to understand the most pressing needs and provide solutions that benefit the whole community.
	Mile High United Way is the only organization that has the capacity to serve as a change agent by addressing immediate needs AND working to provide long-term solutions.
	Mile High United Way can leverage your gift through tax credits and in some cases, federal and state matching dollars.
	We hold ourselves and our funded community partners to a high degree of accountability to ensure your gift is used efficiently.

I do not believe in giving money to those who are not trying to improve their situation in life, such as drug and alcohol abusers.

Mile High United Way’s core initiatives support projects and programs that ensure we create self-sufficiency, by giving a hand up, not a handout.  Our Adult Self Sufficiency initiative specifically focuses on helping people who are working hard but still not able to get ahead.  Building financial assets allows these individuals to live with dignity and respect and saves our community thousands of dollars each year in emergency medical and social services costs.

How much of a donation will make a difference?

Mile High United Way and our community depend on each person making a gift based on his or her income or financial assets.  For new donors, a good starting point is one or two hours pay per paycheck.

How can I contact Mile High United Way about helping someone I know?

Simply dial 2-1-1 – our free, confidential, English and Spanish call center available to anyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   Our 2-1-1 referral specialists help connect people to a variety of health and human service resources, including child care, food, shelter, and counseling.  They also help find volunteer opportunities and match in-kind gifts, such as furniture or used cars with many of the community’s non-profit organizations.

Accounting FAQs

How is Mile High United Way held accountable?

The most valuable asset we have is the trust and confidence people have in our ability to meet community needs.  We are audited each year by an independent accounting firm to ensure we are in compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures and laws.  We strive to meet the philanthropic goals of our donors and offer a donor satisfaction guarantee.  We are long standing members of the Better Business Bureau.

How do I check status and/or verify if my gift was paid out correctly?

You can receive personalized service on the status of your gift by contacting Mile High United Way, 303.433.8383.

I give through payroll deduction each year. How is my gift credited from year to year?

Most Mile High United Way campaigns run on a 12-month cycle but this does vary by company, so check with your Campaign Leader for the specific dates

How often do you pay out designated gifts?

Monthly.  Mile High United Way disburses gifts to designated agencies on the 31st of each month for all payments received by the end of the previous month.  Agencies receiving less than $250 in a given month may receive distributions semi-annually.

What agencies can I give to, and can I give to more than one agency?

You can give to one or more agencies that hold a valid 501(c)(3) certificate or to any agency that qualifies as an exempt organization as defined by the IRS. Please note that for designated gifts there is a $2 per paycheck minimum.  Gifts less than this amount will be treated as a donation to Mile High United Way.  The best use of your investment is to give directly to Mile High United Way.

Are there designation fees associated with my gift to a 501(c)(3)?

Gifts to organizations other than Mile High United Way may be charged a designation fee up to 15%, capped at a  maximum of $450 per gift.

What if I make a mistake and want to change my gift once I submitted my donation?

Not a problem; simply ask your Campaign Leader to put you in touch with your Donor Relations Representative and they will assist you with the change.  Changes to an original pledge can only be made once a year.

Do you release my personal information to my designated agency(ies)?

Yes, Mile High United Way shares your information with your designated charity so they can thank you for your gift, unless you indicate on the pledge form that you wish to remain anonymous.  Companies that use their own pledge form or pledge capture system may have different options for release of personal information.

How do I receive documentation of my gift for tax deduction?

Mile High United Way and all non-profit organizations are required to provide receipts for one-time gifts of $250 or more if the gift is made by check, credit card, cash, or stock.  This process excludes payroll deduction gifts because the donor’s pay stub and pledge form will satisfy the IRS regulations for claiming charitable gifts by payroll deduction.  For all gifts under $250, Mile High United Way will issue tax documentation by request only.  If you have further questions on this, feel free to contact your Donor Relations Representative.

What Tax Credits am I eligible for?

If you give a minimum of $500 to an eligible United Way agency or project, you may receive either a 25% or 50% tax credit from the state, but only if your company provides your personal donation information and contact information to Mile High United Way.  Some companies prefer to keep their employee’s information anonymous.  To ensure your gift of $500 or more is eligible for a tax credit, ask your company to send confirmation of your individual payroll deductions to Accounting Customer Service.  Please refer to our website for the complete list of Tax Credit options.  Go to www.unitedwaydenver.org, click on How to Give, then click on Tax Credits.   (Download Tax Credit PDF)

Please do not consider the information in this section to be tax advice.  We recommend you consult a professional tax advisor when it comes to filing taxes, and consult the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

We invite you to be part of the change. You can give, you can advocate or you can volunteer.