Campaign
FAQ
What is the United Way?
Fremont Area United Way 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 fund-raising organization. United Way is about changing lives. United Way works with dozens of partners in the areas of Health, Income, Education and Basic Needs to deliver results. Our primary service area includes Dodge and Washington Counties in Nebraska.
Who runs the Fremont Area United Way?
A Board of Directors, Executive Director, staff and many local volunteers are responsible for setting policies, budget and for overseeing the direction of Fremont Area United Way.
What is the difference between the Fremont Area United Way 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.
How do I know that my donation is wisely spent?
When you give to Fremont Area United Way, 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. Fremont Area United Way 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, Fremont Area United Way's own operating expenses and records are audited by an independent accounting firm and carefully scrutinized by a volunteer finance committee to protect this trust. Fremont Area United Way also provides important services to the community in addition to providing grants to qualifying organizations providing services for local people.
Who decides where the money goes?
Volunteers 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 Fremont Area United Way regarding grant awards.
How can I get more involved?
GIVE - Contributions to Fremont Area United Way are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Thank you for supporting the work of the Fremont Area United Way!
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– Become involved by volunteering. Check out local volunteering opportunities under the Volunteer tab on our Web site.
How do organizations apply for grants?
On our website, Go to About, Community Impact Grants for information regarding the grant application.
What services does the Fremont Area United Way provide?
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 contact Fremont Area United Way at 402-721-4157.
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 Michelle Padilla at 402-721-4157 or
e-mail michelle.padilla@fremontunitedway.org.
VOLUNTEER: LIVE UNITED! Make a difference! Get connected with opportunities to be involved with organizations in this area that need and appreciate volunteers. For more information, contact Fremont Area United Way at 402-721-4157.