FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions with Answers
1. How many agencies does Capital Area United Way fund?
Capital Area United Way currently funds 49 Member Agencies and 16 Community Health Charities of Louisiana (CHCLA) Affiliated Agencies.
2. Who is responsible for the activities of United Way?
The volunteer members of the Board of Directors, in addition to being accountable to the community, are legally responsible to see that the affairs of United Way are properly managed. United Way funds are audited yearly by an independent auditing firm and audits are open to the public.
3. Who decides how donations are spent?
Volunteers decide how much money is allocated to the programs United Way funds. Many United Way volunteers visit agencies and review their programs and budgets annually to assure that every dollar is well spent. When the giving power of many is combined, it can have a powerful impact on our community. If you would like to get involved in the allocation process, contact Capital Area United Way at 225-388-9308.
4. Does United Way fund abortion services?
No. None of Capital Area United Way funds are used to perform abortion services or to provide abortion counseling or advocacy for abortion. Likewise, no Capital Area United Way funds are used to provide anti-abortion counseling or advocacy.
5. Isn't United Way money wasted because it is handed out to those who refust to help themselves?
There can easily be some misunderstanding on this point. Actually, several precautions are taken to make sure United Way contributions are not wasted. Funds go only to those agencies that serve the greatest needs. That's why the budgeting and actual distribution of funds is done by United Way volunteers, people just like you. They make sure that it goes to the right place.
6. Why should I contribute to United Way if I never use any of their services and pay my own way?
United Way provides one very practical way for self-sufficient and fortunate people like you to give direct help to people who can't help themselves right now. People help each other and everybody needs some sort of help sometime. We hope that your circumstances are always as they are today. Should need arise, United Way is there for you.
7. Does United Way sell donor lists?
No. Capital Area United Way does not share, trade, or sell any list of donors to any other person or group.
8. Who pays for United Way advertising?
The National Football League (NFL) donates millions of dollars in national advertising to United Way each year. Many other commercials are donated through the National Advertising Council. Local television and radio stations run United Way public service announcements free of charge, to help residents become aware of help that is available. The same is true of billboard advertisements and newspapers/magazine advertisements. Print advertisements are donated and/or sponsored by local companies.
9. What do I do if I have a health or human service need?
Call the United Way 2-1-1 help line to give or get help. With one phone call you can learn about the services of more than 1,800 local non-profit and governmental organizations and agencies. A trained volunteer is available seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-923-2114 or 225-923-2114.
United Way 2-1-1 is provided by the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention Center and funded by Capital Area United Way.
10. What do I do if I have a personal crisis and need help?
Call the Baton Rouge Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention hotline at 225-924-3900toreach a trained professional who can help you with your problem. These professionals are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are also cross-trained to provide health and human service assistance to you if you are unable to reach the United Way 2-1-1 help line.
11. Does Capital Area United Way accept designations to specific agencies?
Yes, we do accept designations made only to our Member Agencies or another United Way.
12. Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, gifts to qualified charities such as Capital Area United Way are allowable itemized deductions available to reduce federal income taxes.