What is the United Way?

United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties is a 100% independent local non-profit organization that focuses on human service needs of communities in this area. United Way is much more than a fundraising organization. United Way is about changing lives. United Way works with dozens of partners in the areas of Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency to deliver results. Our primary service area includes Dodge and Washington Counties in Nebraska.

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Who runs United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties?

A Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and many local volunteers are responsible for setting policies, budget and for overseeing the direction of United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties.

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What is the difference between the United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties and the United Way Worldwide?

United Way Worldwide is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making a measurable impact in every community across America by focusing on the underlying causes of the most serious problems. The United Way movement includes over 1,300 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. There are no fund-raising quotas, and all resources are under local control and decision-making. Dues to United Way Worldwide end up being less than 1% of our budget and are recouped by our community many times over in training, services and access to national corporations.

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How do I know that my donation is wisely spent?

When you give to United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties, you entrust your hard-earned dollars to a local organization that takes this trust very seriously. The organization is committed to the highest standard of fund responsibility, transparency and stewardship. United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties volunteers oversee grants to all local programs and closely monitor agency services and hold them accountable for integrity in their programming and business operations. Just as important, United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties own operating expenses and records are audited by an independent accounting firm and carefully scrutinized by a volunteer finance committee to protect this trust. United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties also provides important services to the community in addition to providing grants to qualifying organizations providing services for local people.

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Who decides where the money goes?

Volunteers and members of the Board of Directors do – people like you, who care about our area and its needs. Each year volunteers from our service area evaluate programs on your behalf. They are as careful with your United Way contribution as you would be. They are not only volunteers, but they are also contributors, just like you. They want to find the most effective ways to use their donations. Volunteers analyze each grant application, visit with representatives of each agency, and review their budget and program information. They analyze each agency’s performance, administration and financial management, as well as its responsiveness to community needs. From that point, they make recommendations to the Board of Directors of United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties regarding grant awards.

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How can I get more involved?

GIVE Contributions to United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Thank you for supporting the work of United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties!

ADVOCATE  Anyone can champion the cause. Whether you're speaking out to improve education, income or health, reaching out to members of Congress, or wearing the LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

VOLUNTEER  UNITED IS THE WAY! Make a difference! Get connected with opportunities to be involved with organizations in this area that need and appreciate volunteers. For more information, contact United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties.

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How do organizations apply for grants?

On our website, Go to About, Community Impact Grants for information regarding the grant application.

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What services does the United Way of Dodge and Washington Counties provide?

DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY Children ages birth to 5 years of age who live in Dodge or Washington County are eligible to be enrolled in this literacy, school-readiness program. They will receive a free, age-appropriate book each month at home. Parents need to agree to regularly read the books to their children. For more information, go to our Imagination Library link on our website. Or email kylie@fremontunitedway.org.

FREMONT FAMILY COALITION Bringing together community partners to collaborate and make collective decisions on improving community data, identifying gaps, focusing on strength and seeking new funding opportunities to address and build a community prevention system of care. For more information,

contact Mandy Montante-Gonzalez at 402-721-4157 or e-mail mandy@fremontunitedway.org