FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What does United Way of Southern Illinois (UWSI) do?
What's our region?
Who runs UWSI?
What's the relationship between UWSI & United Way Worldwide?
What happens when people donate to United Way in our region?
How can I get answers to other questions?
How do I get to the UWSI Office?

What does United Way of Southern Illinois (UWSI) do?

We raise and distribute money. We consider requests for funding from not-for-profit human service organizations in our communities. We pick the ones we think will do the best job of helping us achieve our mission and work on our Community Impact Agenda. We work to meet our goal by getting donations through employee workplace campaigns, local and regional specials events, and donations from corporations, small businesses, social and fraternal organizations, and individual philanthropists.

We work on our Community Impact Agenda. We work with other leaders and organizations in our communities to try to solve long-term community problems in southern Illinois. In addition to raising money, we try to raise money so that we can make small Community Impact Grants to support important projects in our communities.

What's our region?

We serve 15 counties in southern Illinois:

Alexander County
Franklin County
Gallatin County
Hamilton County
Hardin County
Jackson County
Johnson County
Massac County
Perry County
Pope County
Pulaski County
Saline County
Union County
White County
Williamson County

TOP

Who runs UWSI?

The UWSI Board of Directors makes all important decisions about UWSI policy, procedures and activities.

The day-to-day administrative operation of UWSI is handled by a small professional staff, which is controlled by the Board of Directors.

TOP

What's the relationship between UWSI & United Way Worldwide?

UWSI is a completely independent not-for-profit charitable organization, just like every other United Way chapter. In other words, UWSI is not under the supervision or control of United Way Worldwide, with the exception of the fact that UWSI has agreed to meet the rigorous and comprehensive standards required for annual certification as a member in good standing of the United Way system. UWSI pays annual dues to United Way Worldwide. In return, UWSI receives access to a wealth of fundraising, training, education and advocacy materials and opportunities - as well as the right to use the United Way logo and other proprietary materials.

TOP

What happens when people donate to United Way in our region?

Unless the donor tells UWSI otherwise, the donation stays here. It is combined with other donations from within our region and is used to fund its Community Impact Grant Fund. Financial transactions (deposits, disbursements, etc.,) and accounting for the whole region are handled by the UWSI office in Marion.

There are a few exceptions to the way donations are usually handled. First, donors are always free to "designate": to tell UWSI to credit their donations to either another another United Way chapter (anywhere in the world). Second, donors often have the choice to further "designate" their donations: to tell UWSI to use their gifts to support one or more particular non profit organizations. UWSI offers these "designation" options to all of its donors.

TOP