What does United Way do?                                                                                        
United Way unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier community. They bring together people in our community that donate their money and volunteer their time to make sure that health and human service agencies can provide services to people in Bedford County.  Local United Way volunteers evaluate the community's needs and review agencies that can address those needs.  They decide how your money can be used most efficiently in your community.

How is my United Way connected to other United Ways?                                             
Other than sharing a name, United Ways are completely independent and run by local volunteers in each community.

What percent of donated funds goes toward administration costs?                                     
In 2006, 15 cents of each dollar went for management and fundraising costs.  85 cents went for program services.  Our audit and Form 990 are available upon request.

Does my money stay in Bedford County?                                                                       
Yes, even though some of the agencies that receive funding are located outside of Bedford County, all partner agencies that receive funding from our United Way serve people in Bedford County.

Who controls United Way of Bedford County?
A local board of directors oversees all activities of this organization.

Who decides how my money is used?                                                                                
A committee of local volunteers review funding applications, make on-site visits, and review the programs and services of the applicant agencies.  They make funding recommendations based on the information they have obtained.  Final funding is approved by the United Way of Bedford County Board of Directors.

Why should I give to United Way?

• Your money works in our community to fund effective, efficient programs that get results.
• All funding decisions for this county are made by local volunteers that study the needs of our community.
• United Way is the only organization that allows you to give to the entire community, not just one area of need.
• You can donate through your company's payroll deduction plan which makes giving easy.
• United Way of Bedford County is efficient.  Because we depend heavily on volunteers, we have one of the lowest administrative rates among all non-profits.