General Questions
Why should I donate to Mile High United Way?
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Because of our 2-1-1 call center, our collaborations, and the connected nature of our three initiatives (School Readiness; Youth Success; Adult Self-Sufficiency), Mile High United Way is positioned to understand the most pressing needs and provide solutions that benefit the whole community. |
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Mile High United Way is proud of our open and competitive application process for funding in our three initiatives, providing funding for more than 100 programs across the metro area. This way you know your dollars are being leveraged with others in our community to make real and lasting positive change. |
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Mile High United Way has the capacity to serve as an agent for change by addressing immediate needs AND working to provide long-term solutions. |
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Mile High United Way can leverage your gift through tax credits and, in some cases, federal and state matching dollars. |
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Mile High United Way holds itself and our funded community partners to a high degree of accountability to ensure your gift is used efficiently. |
In addition to our high level of accountability and open process, we also believe in the power of philanthropy across all nonprofits and missions. You always have the option of designating your Mile High United Way gift to any 501(c)3 organization.
How are dollars I give to Mile High United Way used in our community?
Here are just a few examples of the many ways Mile High United Way invests in our community across School Readiness, Youth Success, and Adult Self-Sufficiency:
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Learning begins at birth, thus we support, fund, and partner with 18 early childhood nonprofits and 450 early childhood classrooms in the Denver Metro Area. |
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More than 5,000 early childhood books were distributed to young readers in our community who would otherwise not have access to their own personal books. One book can be read over and over again, increasing vocabulary and fostering a love of reading. |
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Research shows that home visitation programs lead to better social, emotional, and academic outcomes for children. Last year, with funding from Mile High United Way, 362 families benefited from on-going home visitation services. As a result, these kids will enter school ready to learn and parents will be more prepared to support their child’s academic growth. |
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When our kids have a safe place to go after school where they can play, learn, do homework, hang-out with friends, and be exposed to arts, science, or sports, they stay out of trouble and stay in school. During the 2010-2011 school year, 11,208 students had access to “Out of School Time” programs, either at school or in their neighborhood. |
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Last year, Lights on After School, a Mile High United Way funded after school partnership with school districts, served 9,464 kids. |
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In 2011, with Mile High United Way’s help, more than 43,000 nights of shelter in the Denver Metro Area were made available to adults, children, and families who otherwise would have spent the night on the streets. |
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Agencies supported by Mile High United Way were able to secure jobs for almost 500 individuals. This means that 500 more individuals entered the workforce and were able to provide food, shelter, and other basic needs for their families. |
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With the help of funding from Mile High United Way, over 7,000 individuals received legal representation for consumer finance, family law, and housing legal matters. |
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, regulations, 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 much of a donation will make a difference?
Mile High United Way and our community appreciate each person making a gift based on his or her income and financial situation. Many donors give a percentage of their income, anywhere from 1% to 10%, or may choose to give one to two hours per paycheck. Your financial contribution is a personal decision and even a small amount can make a big difference in another individual or family’s life.
As you make your giving decisions, you may also want to consider joining one of our leadership giving societies.
Another way to give is to donate your time. Mile High United Way is pleased to provide volunteer opportunities with our many Community Impact Partners to employees of our corporate partners and our individual donors. To learn more about volunteering.
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 my donation goes to services versus administrative costs?
Mile High United Way is proud to invest 85% of all donations toward programs and projects, exceeding the Better Business Bureau guidelines that suggest 65% of total expenses for charitable organizations be spent on program activities. We are committed to keeping our administrative expenses low.
Is Mile High United Way in compliance with The USA Patriot Act?
The USA Patriot Act is an Act of Congress that was signed into law by President George Bush on October 26, 2001 to aid law enforcement in the battle against terrorism. Mile High United Way is in full compliance with this act. Mile High United Way requires agencies receiving funds to certify that United Way funds will be used in compliance with applicable anti-terrorist financing and asset control laws. We recommend that you access CRS Report for Congress or USA PATRIOT Act to get more information.
How can I contact Mile High United Way about helping someone I know?
Simply dial 2-1-1, which is 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.
What if I make a mistake and want to change my gift once I submitted my donation?
Not a problem. Simply ask your Workforce Campaign Leader to put you in touch with your donor relations representative and they will assist you with the change. Or if not giving through a workplace campaign, contact accounting customer service at 303-561-2313 or cs-accounting@unitedwaydenver.org.
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 calendar cycle, but this does vary by company. Check with your Workforce Campaign Leader for the specific dates. |
