Why give to United Way for Southeastern Michigan?

Your contribution makes a huge difference in lives across our region as United Way strives to advance equitable communities where households are stable and every child can thrive. With your support, we work every day to address the root causes of some of Southeastern Michigan’s most challenging issues. United Way brings people together to meet individual needs, mobilize emergency response in times of community-wide crisis, and advocate for positive systemic change.  

Where does my contribution go?

Your gift is directly invested in support services that help families meet their basic needs and achieve stability. Donor contributions allow us to provide vital community support like our 2-1-1 helpline and a variety of programs for those in need. Your contribution supports basic needs, digital inclusion, education, economic mobility and more. Additionally, every donation contributes to research, volunteerism and advocacy efforts focused on creating long-term, sustainable change. Thousands of lives are positively impacted each day because of our donors’ generosity, and this work is not possible without your support.  

What are United Way’s administrative costs?

Every contribution is put to work doing good in the community. In the last fiscal year, our total administrative cost was 14.3 percent. This low rate is complemented by United Way’s unique ability to get maximum impact out of each dollar raised by immediately putting resources where they’re needed most—whether an individual family is in need or we’re facing a community crisis like COVID-19 or a natural disaster.  

Is my gift really important? Would my contribution be missed if I did not give?

Yes! Your gift matters! The need in our community far outweighs available resources and every gift helps ensure that vital support programs are available for anyone in need.  

I would like to help, but just can’t afford it.

Giving is just one way to support our community. You can also volunteer your time and you can advocate for policies that help families prosper and children thrive.  Your time and your voice are valuable contributions that can make a big difference!   

I have given in the past, yet never received a thank-you from United Way.

We appreciate your gift very much, and you can be confident that it’s making a difference! Each company that supports our work has different privacy agreements with United Way, some of which restrict our ability to communicate directly with their employees, whether they donate or not. If you would like to find out how your gift makes a difference and learn about other ways to get involved, visit UnitedWaySEM.org/StayInformed and use your personal email to sign up for updates from United Way.

What are some benefits of giving a larger gift?

Your prior generosity is greatly appreciated and has made a tremendous difference in people’s lives. However, need is rising and there are still thousands of children not getting the proper nutrition to help them grow strong and healthy; thousands more who are not receiving the education that will supply them with the tools they need to thrive as adults; and families that still live paycheck to paycheck – one medical bill or car repair away from financial crisis. People who never sought help before are doing so now. In fact, you probably know someone who has turned to United Way for help. With the needs of community residents steadily increasing and service organizations struggling to keep pace, increased contributions are very much needed to stem the tide.  

A larger gift can also qualify you for membership in groups like our Emerging Philanthropists or Tocqueville Society. Click the Affinity Groups tab at the top of the page to learn more.  

Can I designate where my contribution goes?

Your contribution makes the largest impact when it is undesignated. United Way initiatives like the Community Investment Fund and Community Crisis Fund are able to quickly distribute dollars where they are needed when our community needs them most. If you prefer to give your money directly to one of United Way's partner agencies, you are free to do so.  

Aren’t all United Ways the same?

No. While the mission in service to community is a constant among the United Way network, each local United Way is an independently governed nonprofit organization with its own leadership team and a locally appointed board of directors. This structure ensures that each United Way is deeply rooted in the community it serves with a unique ability to approach its work in ways that best meet local needs. As such, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is a mission-driven, locally funded human service organization focused on meeting the needs of people across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Funds raised are invested directly in providing meaningful supports and services throughout our region. We are deeply committed to transparency and maximizing the impact of every dollar raised.  

Have additional questions?

Email workplacegiving@unitedwaysem.org.

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