• How is Butler County United Way different from other nonprofit organizations?
• Why should I choose to contribute to the Butler County United Way?
• Will Butler County United Way let me give directly to my favorite agency?
• How do people get help from Butler County United Way?
• Where does the money I donate to Butler County United Way go?
• Many people struggle financially. How can we ask them to give?
• Do any Butler County United Way agencies perform or fund abortions?
• Do the troubles at other United Ways and other nonprofits affect our Butler County United Way?
• Don’t my taxes take care of the less fortunate?
• How does an organization apply to receive funding from Butler County United Way?

1. Help can be secured from United Way in one way by utilizing any of the 54 programs provided by the 31 partner agencies.

2. 211, a program supported by BCUW, is available for those in need to access the most comprehensive database of human services in Butler County.

For a quick information and referral source dial 211, or visit the 211 section of this website.

More than 83 percent of the money contributed to Butler County United Way goes directly to provide services or create change in our community. Less than 18 cents of each dollar contributed is spent on administrative and fundraising costs, which is why the National Charities Information Board rates BCUW as “excellent.” Butler County United Way can be this efficient because volunteer support keeps costs to a bare minimum.

Butler County United Way's total administrative cost (including all fund-raising costs) for fiscal year 2005-2006 is 19.2 percent of total revenues. This figure is far below the Better Business Bureau's guideline of 35 percent for total administrative costs for charitable organizations.

Some of the most generous givers are those who themselves needed a helping hand. Everyone should be given an opportunity to express caring through charitable giving, to enjoy the emotional reward of knowing he or she has helped our community become safer and stronger. Only the donor can determine whether he or she can afford to give at this time. Thanks to payroll deduction, even a small amount each pay period can add up.

No. Abortions are not funded through the Butler County United Way or any of it’s partner agencies.

No. Each one of the 1,300 United Ways is autonomous and managed by local volunteers. In Butler County, more than 700 local volunteers oversee Butler County United Wayoperations, from fundraising to investments to financial management. For a list of Butler County United Way board members, see our board member listing here.

State and federal taxes do support health and human services, primarily through public assistance programs. However, taxes can’t do it all. Butler County United Way has chosen to partner with tax funded organizations to enhance services for citizens, reduce duplication and leverage additional tax back dollars into the county so residents can have their basic needs met, such as food, shelter and health care.

When resources allow, Butler County United Way invites applications from organizations that demonstrate measurable results in addressing key issues our community has identified as most important. Butler County United Way also helps nonprofit organizations in other ways, including bookkeeping services.

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