The Capital Area United Way is an independent, non-profit entity designed to help our community meet its health and human care needs. Through its community-wide fundraising efforts, the Capital Area United Way helps to support 45+ programs and services offered through 18 local United Way funded agencies. Through a strong volunteer system, United Way brings together business, government, and committed people to address local health and human service needs in Hughes and Stanley counties.
Capital Area United Way was formed 20 years ago in 1989. In the fall of 1988, BankWest, Inc. hosted 36 business community and government leaders to learn more about the Sioux Empire United Way in Sioux Falls, SD.
Every local United Way is independent from one another, and operates under the direction of a local board of directors. Money raised during the annual campaign stays in each local community. Each local board is responsible for giving donated dollars to the local agencies that can best meet the needs of each individual community. Local United Ways belong to United Way of America which gives them access to services such as marketing assistance, community problem solving, staff training and networking among other United Ways. Membership dues are less than 1/3 of one cent of every dollar raised.
There are many advantages to having a single community-wide fundraising effort. A portion of your donation is given to each of the United Way partner agencies that serve Hughes and Stanley counties. This allows you to help people in many different ways. By coordinating fundraising efforts, each agency saves valuable time and money. Each agency United Way supports is then able to spend more of its time, energy and dollars doing what it does best – helping people.
We are very proud that our United Way operates throughout the year on only 13 cents of every dollar raised. Every year dozens of people volunteer their time to the United Way campaign fund drive. This allows the whole community to help 18 local agencies, and only one fundraising office is needed to ensure that donated dollars are used where they are most needed. Local businesses also donate in kind gifts that give United Way a significant savings.
When you contribute to Capital Area United Way, you can be assured that your donation is distributed wisely. Local volunteers decide which agencies will receive funds from the annual United Way campaign. This committee evaluates the needs of the community to determine which require the most urgent attention. They spend time reviewing the results and finances of each agency programs we support. Then they interview all agencies applying for United Way funding, identify which ones will best address the needs of the community and distribute funds accordingly.
The programs of our partner agencies make a real impact in these key areas:
Even a small amount each week can give an employee a sense of belonging to a larger community, of making a difference. United Way’s fundraising campaign is successful because lots of people unite and give what they can. When lots of people give even a little, the results are amazing.
Donations to Capital Area United Way are distributed exclusively to the agencies selected by our local allocations committee and board of directors. Our local leaders agree that United Way must be kept outside of the pro-choice / pro-life debate. It is essential that local groups and individuals recognize it would be harmful to the total community if groups on either side of this issue would attempt to use United Way to further its viewpoint.
Agencies funded by United Way strive to assure quality, affordable services to all people regardless of income level. Many agencies charge fees based on a sliding scale.
You can designate that your donation be given only to the organization you choose. Contributions can be designated to one or more of the 18 agencies by writing the agency’s name(s) on the pledge form. You may also designate to any non-profit 501(C)3 organization. A 15% processing fee will be deducted from your contribution for designations to non-partner agencies.
With one gift to United Way, you can support 18 local agencies and know that you are helping to solve some of our area’s most pressing concerns. All programs and financial statements of Capital Area United Way partner agencies are reviewed annually to ensure that donated dollars are used where it is needed most.
To be considered a C.H.A.M.P. donor, you must contribute at least one hour of your pay each month to United Way. A minimum donation of $500 is needed to become a member of our Capital Club.