Posted in Blog on March 14, 2022 How does donating to United Way help my community?

How does donating to United Way help my community?

Of all the things you could spend your money on, after food and rent or mortgage, after clothes and toilet paper, even after spending a few bucks on the fun things in life, you still feel like your money could go further. Maybe you see suffering or struggle in your community and you wonder how you can help. 

Giving to charity, even just a few dollars, can make an enormous difference in any of the small communities that make up the Upper Ohio Valley. From Brooke to Ohio county and beyond, giving your money to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley is the single most effective use of your money. 

Donors are often curious about how United Way makes a positive difference in our community. Just as you are careful with how you spend your money, we’re just as careful with money donated to us. 

These are our priorities when determining which programs to support:

  • Improving health outcomes for people of all ages
  • Expanding access to educational opportunities
  • Strengthening financial stability for individuals and families

Read on for more information about how YOU can get involved in the United Way allocations process!

We fund programs — not organizations

There are 23 agencies in the Upper Ohio Valley that are members of the United Way. Each member agency is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. And each is eligible to receive a grant to support a particular program.

Our focus on programs (rather than organizations) allows us to be more intentional with our grant awards. We fund the community programs that are transforming our neighbors’ health, education, and financial stability. 

Donating to United Way is perhaps the best way to show your commitment to these values, since grants are awarded on behalf of people — like you — who give where they live!  

Allocations Week: donating to United Way gives you a voice

Did you know that volunteers directly influence which programs receive funding each year?

Yes, YOU can help determine how your dollars are allocated across the region! Join a committee to become part of the process:

  1. Listen to each program present their grant application
  2. Consult with the committee to make a group recommendation
  3. Watch your donation go to work in your community

If you’re interested in volunteering on an allocations committee, please email Jess ([email protected]

(And if you need help deciding whether to participate, read the reflection our Executive Director, Jess Rine, wrote about Allocations Week 2021.)

Donating to United Way through your company

Businesses throughout the Upper Ohio Valley make it easy to support this community.

Participating employers give employees the opportunity to give a portion of their paycheck to the United Way. Alternately, employees can choose a particular United Way agency to support.

Some companies even offer extra motivation for giving. Check out some of our suggestions for incentives, and ask your employer whether they are participating in this year’s Give Where You Live campaign. 

Donating to United Way as an individual

Nonprofits throughout the Upper Ohio Valley depend on the support of community members who care. Give to United Way today, so that your neighbors can thrive!

The easiest way to give is to donate online. It’s fast, secure, and makes a lasting difference to people in your community.

You can also send a check to our office:

United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley

1307 Chapline Street

Wheeling, WV 26003

On behalf of the entire community, thank you for your support. Your dollars unite with your neighbors’ donations to reach thousands of people in need.