HISTORY

The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John was formed in 1978 as a revision to the former Community Chest organization. United Way has completed 27 campaigns and has raised over 11.5 million dollars in its 28 years of existence. Grants to community organizations have totaled more than 8 million dollars to date with over 75 programs benefiting over the years.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of the United Way is to provide the means by which citizens and agencies join together in a community-wide effort to raise funds for the delivery of efficient human service programs. The United Way’s goal is to reduce the number of appeals for financial support by consolidating these efforts into one annual fund drive for a multitude of agency services.

The United Way only allocates funds to agencies that meet specific criteria established by the United Way’s board of directors. The United Way does not allocate funds to individuals or government agencies.

AGENCY REQUIREMENTS

Agencies receiving grants from the United Way are required to be private non-profit organizations, be incorporated in the Virgin Islands, maintain a 501(c)(3) tax exemption, and provide a needed human service to Virgin Islands’ residents. Agencies are also required to submit annual program outlines with budgeted program expenses and quarterly financial reports. A committee of United Way volunteers reviews each agency’s program and budget, and determines the allocation needed to effectively carry out the program. The total of all agency allocations for a year determines the Untied Way’s campaign goal.

Organizations become official United Way agencies by executing a formal contract which stipulates that agencies may not participate in fundraising during the United Way campaign (October 1 to January 31). The contract also mandates that agencies adhere to established guidelines such as active leadership, accountability, and program service.

MANAGEMENT

The United Way is governed by a 25-member, voluntary board of directors who are responsible for establishing policies, overall management of the corporation, and all fundraising and fund distribution decisions. Board members are elected annually by the membership and serve without compensation for three-year terms.

1. Cost Effective

Eighty cents of every dollar raised goes directly to the members agencies. The United Way’s administrative costs have consistently stayed at or below 20% of United Way’s total budget while the fundraising goal has increased each year.

2. Efficient

The United Way has over 200 volunteers who provide thousands of service hours. Because of the high volume of volunteer support, the United Way can provide more service at a minimum price.

Through on-site visits and the examination of agencies’ budgets and programs, volunteers annually review every United Way agency. These volunteers are able to detect areas that need strengthening and where funds are needed most. The United Way promotes non-duplication of services and provides board development and management assistance programs.

3. One Drive

The United Way asks for your support for one drive, once a year. One drive - instead of 16 - is the most cost effective way of raising funds.

This one annual drive represents 13 plus agencies. With the arduous responsibility of fundraising taken from these agencies, more resources and time can be devoted to providing services to the people who need it.

4. Local

The money raised here stays here.

Local agencies and local programs benefit from your dollars given to the United Way.

Local volunteers representing all community segments determine where and how the dollars should be allocated.

JUST WHAT DOES UNITED WAY DO?

United Way is a locally incorporated, non-profit organization that is the single largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in our community. United Way Campaign Dollars support 16 human service agencies and programs addressing community problems, 365 days a year. This one community-wide campaign is the most organized, efficient and accountable system for investing in our community.

WHO MANAGES UNITED WAY?

United Way is locally incorporated, autonomous organization governed by a local volunteer board of directors. Policies, activities, procedures and agencies we support are determined right here at home. The community volunteers who lead United Way come from all walks of life and reflect the cultural diversity of our area. United Way’s daily operations are handled by a small, but knowledgeable professional staff which works closely with volunteers at all levels.

HOW IS UNITED WAY ACCOUNTABLE

United Way’s own operating budget is audited by an independent accounting firm and is carefully scrutinized by a panel of local community volunteers and United Way’s board of directors. Because more than 200 volunteers help raise and distribute the money, $.80 out of every $1.00 raised goes directly to the agencies.

HOW ARE UNITED WAY AGENCIES ACCOUNTABLE TO UNITED WAY DONORS?
Every United Way agency meets these high standards to assure you of quality and efficiency;

• Recognized by IRS as a non-profit organization
• Governed by a volunteer board of directors
• Provides for a human care need
• Audited annually by a CPA firm
• Submits quarterly financial statements
• Annually presents and defends their entire budget to a panel of community volunteers
• Operates at a reasonable cost

Experienced community volunteers oversee the dollar allocations to all agencies. They review quarterly financial reports and annual audits, conduct on-site visits at the agencies and monitor programs to assure high quality. Allocations and an audited financial statement are public information and are published in United Way’s annual report.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
Supporting agencies like Civil Air Patrol, the Dial-A-Ride programs and American Red Cross means you’re giving to programs dealing with youth development, accessible transportation, and health & crisis intervention, to name just a few. Knowing you’ve made a difference makes you feel great!

WHY NOT JUST GIVE DIRECTLY TO THE AGENCIES?
There are several reasons that United Way is among the best ways to give to charity:

• Contributing through United Way guarantees agencies funds they can rely on and plan for, rather than depending on sporadic contributions.
• United Way’s community-based oversight assures that the charities you support through United Way adhere to sound fiscal policies and provide needed services.
• Giving through United Way reduces costly and time-consuming fundraising efforts for the agencies, so their time can be spend helping others.

WHERE DOES MY MONEY GO?
Your money doesn’t stay at United Way! Instead, your gift supports organizations like Boy Scouts, Catholic Charities and thirteen other human services agencies and programs.

DON’T AGENCIES GET GOVERNMENT FUNDING?
Many agencies do receive governmental support. In fact, United Way funding often allows agencies to leverage available government funds, which maximizes their resources. However, shrinking government dollars means privately funded institutions like United Way are more important than ever.

WHY DO UNITED WAY AGENCIES CHARGE FEES?
Because the extent of United Way agency services is so great, United Way funds provide only a portion of the money agencies need to provide services. Many United Way agencies charge sliding scale fees so they can help more people.

I NEVER USE AGENCY SERVICES, SO WHY SHOULD I GIVE?
You never know when you, a member of your family or neighbor may need a United Way service. Job loss, loss of a loved one, illness, disabilities, family problems, mental disorders and the problems of growing up and growing old know no boundaries. Your gift helps ensure that United Way services are available when they’re needed. United Way services touched lives over 27 thousand times last year. Anyone who has been involved in scouting or taken a Red Cross first aid course has been served by a United Way agency.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE WHEN MY SPOUSE ALREADY GIVES?
Each and every contribution is important and makes a difference. If only one spouse in each family gave, many programs could not be supported. Each member of a family is encouraged to contribute as generously as they can.

I CAN’T AFFORD IT / BUSINESS IS BAD.
Believe me, I really appreciate the way you feel. We’re all trying to get our lives back in order. When I filled out my own pledge card, I felt exactly the same way. Then I thought, if times are tough for me, what it must be like for somebody who doesn’t have a job, doesn’t have a home. So I gave what I could and that’s all we are asking of you.

I can sympathize with your position. Your gift no matter what the size, will be spread across to 13 plus agencies. Your pledge may also be paid in convenient amounts throughout the year. How much should I put down for your contribution?