Campaign Volunteer Training Materials

What is United Way?

United Way is an organization made up primarily of volunteers who work in partnership with staff to support a broad range of agencies and human services in their local communities. United Ways do more than raise money. They plan for future community needs. They allocate the money raised through a systematic review process by volunteers. They recruit volunteers. Many United Ways also provide information and referral services to help put people in touch with the services they need.

There are over 1,500 independent and autonomous United Ways in the United States. Although 800 United Ways employ at least one full-time staff person to operate year-round, all United Ways are led by local volunteers whoÖ

• Serve as directors legally responsible for the organization’s affairs.
  
• Conduct the annual fundraising campaign.
  
• Make planning and fund distribution decisions.

United Ways trace their history to the formation of the Charity Organization Society in 1887 in Denver. But organizations as we know them today were developed in the twenties, thirties and forties, when business and labor leaders joined together to reduce the number of charitable appeals by conducting a single efficient fundraising drive.

Agencies and services which request funding from United Ways must be 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations and demonstrate that they are providing needed community services. The decision to support these agencies and services is made by volunteers who review budgets, general management, service delivery costs and other factors.

This volunteer needs and fund distribution process allows volunteers to help solve community problems and meet community needs. This process is what makes United Way unique - it ensures accountability and allows for the flexibility necessary to see that new and emerging agencies and programs have a chance to receive the community’s support.

While the services United Ways support vary by community, and while some United Ways raise a few thousand dollars and others many millions, the one thing they have in common is the volunteer review process and the resulting accountability they give to contributors.

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