WHAT IS UNITED WAY?
United Way is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency that brings people and communities together to advance the common good. We partner with local nonprofits, businesses, government, and human service agencies to address our community's most pressing needs. Our mission: We unite people and resources to build a stronger community to advance the common good.
WHAT DOES UNITED WAY DO?
Our work helps provide the building blocks for a good life through efforts in three areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health/Wellness. We work with various partner agencies to address needs and concerns in these three areas. During specific local disaster-relief situations, we also work in partnership with United Ways that cover other Iowa counties to ensure that immediate help is coordinated and effective.
WHO AND WHERE DO YOU HELP?
We serve communities in Clinton County, Iowa who might benefit from services through our local funded agencies. We serve residents in or at the edge of poverty in of Clinton County, Iowa. Services are provided for all of Clinton County.
WHO RUNS UNITED WAY?
Our staff works with knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers who represent our diverse community. They carry out the planning and implementation of United Way functions.
- A volunteer board of trustees sets policy and strategic direction.
- Various volunteer committees oversee financial practices and provide counsel on operational issues.
- A Citizen Review Committee that reviews funding requests and makes recommendations on the best use of available funds.
- A Campaign committee that seeks financial support for partner agencies
Our volunteer network is a key reason why our administrative and fundraising costs are among the lowest of any nonprofit. More of your contribution goes directly to help people.
- Our Executive Director is Andy Green.
- The President of the Board is Paul Schnack.
- The Campaign Chair is Brent Albrechtsen.
- The Citizen Review Committee Chair is Matt Brisch.
ARE UNITED WAYS RELATED?
There are approximately 1,400 community-based United Ways across the country and each is separately incorporated and independently governed by local volunteers. Many of these organizations are similar in their mission and structure, but some are very different. We pay a membership contribution for the rights to use the name and logo, and support broader community impact goals through United Way Worldwide, an umbrella organization that attacks the same problems on a national and global level, and provides guidance, training and development services to local United Ways. These dues are less than 1 percent of each dollar contributed. Contributions raised in Clinton County stay here, and decisions about which programs to invest in and which partnerships to pursue are made here in our local community.
HOW OLD IS UNITED WAY?
United Way of Clinton County, Iowa was formed in 1938.
WHAT IS OUR FOCUS?
Our work focuses on three areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health/Wellness. All of our partner programs and initiatives support these areas.
Education: We help children get a strong start in life and help equip them for success in school, work, and life. We want all children to read proficiently by the end of third grade and to graduate high school on time.
Financial Stability: We give people the education and tools to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Our goal is for Individuals to be able to get a job that supports a family through a lifetime.
Health/Wellness: We build stronger communities where families have healthier beginnings and healthier lives. We want all individuals to improve and mantain good health.
WHO DECIDES WHICH PROGRAMS YOU INVEST IN?
Our Citizens Review Committee is comprised of knowledgeable volunteers and experts from our community carefully screen and select the programs funded by your contribution. Their recommendations are reviewed and approved by our volunteer Board of Trustees after selection, these programs are rigorously monitored to ensure they produce positive, measurable results.
HOW MUCH IS USED FOR 'OVERHEAD?'
Our administrative and fundraising costs, including staff salaries, represent approximately 24.3 percent of contributions. Most of every dollar you contribute goes to initiatives and programs that help people and build a stronger community. Various watchdog groups use 30 to 40 percent as an acceptable standard.
HOW MUCH MONEY WAS RAISED LAST YEAR?
Thanks to our generous community, United Way raised over $400,000 through its 2021 fall annual campaign and fundraising efforts. The Fall 2022 Campaign Goal is $650,000.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNITED WAY AND OTHER NONPROFITS?
Making a gift to United Way is the most effective way to help our whole community. Our unique ability to work across complex issues with hundreds of community partners is unmatched. We mobilize volunteers and convene partner agencies, corporations, community leaders and policymakers to make broad, systemic changes like no other organization can on its own. Our programs help people in crisis get back on their feet, help prevent future problems and build a stronger community for all of us.
HOW CAN MY ORGANIZATION APPLY FOR FUNDING?
Any 501(c)(3) organization that provides services to Clinton County residents, in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, and/or Health/Wellness may apply for funding. Contact the UWCCI at (563) 242-1209 for information on how to apply.