FAQs
WHAT DOES UNITED WAY OF BROOME COUNTY DO?
Like all United Ways across the globe, we focus our efforts on the main building blocks and life’s essentials that are fundamental for our community to thrive: Health, Education, Financial Stability.
As one of the largest non-government funders of health & human services in Broome County, we create solutions that build a stronger Broome County. We’re improving education, strengthening financial stability, and making our community healthier. But we don’t do it alone. We bring the people and organizations together to do more than any of us can do on our own. Employers, nonprofits, government, faith organizations, educators, labor, health providers, community leaders, youth, and many others partner with us. Together, we tackle some of the toughest issues. We’re after solutions that create real change. It’s not simple, or easy. But we’re making progress, and seeing results.
To learn more, check out our work!
WHY SHOULD I GIVE THROUGH UNITED WAY?
When you give through United Way, you join with your friends, neighbors, and local businesses to help Broome County residents improve their daily lives while empowering lasting change. If you give through your workplace, you have the convenience of payroll deduction. Your gift is invested in innovative social ventures that are monitored, measured, and evaluated regularly to confirm they’re achieving positive results for our community.
If you would like to donate outside your workplace, visit our Give page to learn more.
WHERE DOES MY DONATION GO?
United Way of Broome County ensures that every donation counts. 100% of your gift goes directly into community-based projects and programs. These projects and programs promote healthy eating and physical activity, expand access to quality healthcare, and foster healthy environments and relationships. Funding supports projects in ensuring improved access to and programming for quality, affordable childcare, ensuring children are prepared for primary school, and projects that work to provide all youth with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in middle school, high school, post-secondary education, and in the job market. Projects also work to create pathways to financial stability that will improve employment, provide advancement opportunities, and advance the socioeconomic status of individuals and families in our community.
Just as important, funding supports programs that help people overcome life’s challenges and meet their basic needs, so they are prepared to take advantage of the resources that allow them to build a better life. 100% of funds raised through the Annual Campaign provide financial support to community programs and projects.
See a list of our currently funded Community Partners.
IF I DON'T HAVE A LOT TO GIVE, CAN I REALLY MAKE MUCH OF AN IMPACT?
More than you think! Just $1 can provide 3 meals to a food-insecure Broome County resident. Remember, 100% of funds raised go directly to community-based projects and programs. Together, your dollars combined with others can have a lasting impact.
You can also use your voice to raise awareness about causes that impact our community. Get involved and make a difference by volunteering! United Way is recruiting people and organizations from across the community to get involved. Join your voice with ours and use your passion to advocate for change. Do you have some expertise or time to provide? We’ll connect you with others and provide you with the tools you’ll need.
Visit our Volunteer HQ or contact Andi Stack, Marketing & Volunteer Engagement Specialist at [email protected].
WHY WOULDN'T I JUST GIVE TO AN AGENCY DIRECTLY?
100% of every donated dollar goes back into projects and programs. Decades ago, a group of community-minded individuals set up an endowment fund to ensure a strong United Way of Broome County. Because of that endowment fund, we truly are able to give back 100% of all funds raised. United Way collects, processes, and transfers donations on behalf of the health and human services agencies in the region, with no processing fees. If you are donating through your workplace campaign, you have the convenient option of payroll deduction.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO GIVE ALL OR PART OF MY DONATION TO THE COUNTY WHERE I LIVE? CAN I SPECIFY WHAT AGENCIES MY DONATION GOES TO?
Of course! You can designate your gift to your local United Way or any 501(c)(3) agency. There are no processing fees and 100% of your gift will go where directed.
HOW DO UNITED WAY PROGRAMS ADDRESS COMMUNITY PROBLEMS?
We work to identify the greatest needs in the community by looking at local data and listening to resident voice and investing dollars in evidence-based programs. All United Way partner programs and initiatives are monitored, measured, and evaluated regularly to confirm they’re achieving positive results. Through community conversations, United Way engages people to gain a better understanding of the shared aspirations for the future, define the challenges that hold residents back today, and identify opportunities to make positive changes.
I'M NEVER GOING TO NEED THESE SERVICES SO WHY SHOULD I DONATE?
When our community thrives, we all thrive. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when neighborhoods prosper, when families have good health, and we have a strong workforce. These benefits ripple out to the community as a whole and ensure we will all continue to progress and our children will have a better future. It takes the whole community working together to make positive change.
I WANT MY BUSINESS TO BE INVOLVED WITH UNITED WAY. WHERE DO I START?
United Way supporters are a large part in the building of a strong, thriving community in Broome County. Campaigns in the workplace also allow donors a convenient method to support their community through payroll deduction. Campaigns can be modified to any work environment and can be a positive, team-building experience for all! For more information on how to set up a workplace campaign please call our Resource Development Director, Tom Connors (607) 240-2027. Do you have some expertise or time to provide? We’ll connect you with others and provide you with the tools you’ll need. Visit our Volunteer HQ or contact Andi Stack, Marketing & Volunteer Engagement Specialist at [email protected].
HOW ELSE CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
We coordinate hundreds of long-term and short-term volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups. Long-term opportunities include committee work, serving on local Boards of Directors, and more. Our annual Days of Service bring together volunteers to work side-by-side with a number of community-focused organizations.
Whether you are an individual or looking for a group project for your team, United Way can provide options for long-term and short-term opportunities. For more information, visit our Volunteer HQ or contact Andi Stack, Marketing & Volunteer Engagement Specialist at [email protected].