Frequently Asked Questions

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The United Way of Central Louisiana is a nonprofit local partnership that links donors and helping agencies with businesses, government, and other key players in central Louisiana to build a stronger community. It's all of us working together to help children succeed, to strengthen families, and to help those in crisis. This year we raised $1,750,000 for human services here in Cenla.

All donations stay here in central Louisiana. They go to fund programs and services at the 16 member agencies in our community. The United Way of Central Louisiana is an entirely independent organization, not a "branch" or a "chapter." We don't send donations to other cities or states, and we don't receive funds from other places unless donors from those places direct their gifts here. Less than one percent of our campaign goes as dues to the United Way of America (our trade association), but we receive services in return that would cost much more elsewhere.

The United Way of America (UWA) is a national trade and leadership association that supports rougly 1,200 local United Ways. UWA provides education and training opportunities for local staff and volunteers, marketing research and materials, and valuable communication services between United Ways. It helps organize fundraising efforts from large national and global companies so that donations can come to the local community in a reliable fashion. Our dues to UWA are less than one percent of our campaign, and we receive more in return in terms of services than we typically pay. United Way of America does not fund programs in any community, but they have demonstrated leadership in setting up innovative programs such as "Success By 6" , or Early Childhood programs with cooperating local United Ways.

A volunteer Board of Directors, comprised entirely of Central Louisiana residents, governs the United Way of Central Louisiana. Hundreds of volunteers assess community needs and resources, review funded programs, plan and organize the annual fund-raising campaign, and collect contributions. These volunteers are supported by a small professional staff (see the "Staff" page under the "About Us" Page).

Yes! Exceptionally so - the United Way of Central Louisiana is one of the most accountable nonprofit organizations you will find. Our volunteer Finance Committee (known as the Organizational Excellence Committee) is composed of financial and management experts from several local companies. They ensure that fiscal controls are in place, and that fiscal decisions are sound. In addition, we are audited by an outside firm every year. We are proud that we have received the highest possible ratings each year for our financial management and reliability. Copies of our audit and IRS Form 990 are available for the asking. We go much further than financial accountability, however. Dozens of volunteers review funded agencies to make sure that donations are used effectively as well as efficiently. We work hard to make every dollar count!

UWCL funds services in nine parishes around central Louisiana: Allen (Oakdale), Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn. The combined square mileage of these parishes approaches that of the state of Massachusetts! While our most rural parishes do not always have agencies located within their boundaries, most services are available in most parishes. In the case of shelters, residents may have to travel to Rapides Parish for help. If you would like to see the numbers of people helped in each parish, just contact us and we'll get it to you.

Yes. Your gift is tax deductible if you itemize deductions. A receipt is not necessary unless you pay $250 or more at one time. If you need a receipt, no matter what the amount, contact our office and we will send one to you right away, along with our warmest thanks.

No!! Giving is a personal decision, and our United Way has a strong policy against coercion. We think there are many positive reasons to donate, and we discourage employers from forcing their employees to give.

About 14 cents on the dollar, though it can vary slightly from year to year. These are our management and general costs plus our costs for fundraising expenses. In other words, 86 cents of every dollar goes to actual services and programs. That's money that wouldn't be available if not for the United Way fundraising drive.

No. We never have. We're not sure where this rumor got started, though it seems to pop up from time to time. In fact, employees of the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria have supported our United Way for many years. In Central Louisiana, we fund the Volunteers of America to run a pregnancy services program that includes an adoption program. It helps young and single mothers-to-be learn how to best cope with their situation. The Family Counseling Agency provides counseling services across a wide spectrum of issues; it does not promote abortion.