Why is my donation best utilized by giving it to the United Way serving KFL&A Community Fund?
The United Way serving KFL&A Community Fund supports a network of programs and services that help a wide variety of people in the community. A panel of informed community volunteers, who are aware of local needs, distribute the donations where they are needed most and monitor member agencies to ensure accountability to you.  Your one gift to the United Way Community Fund will reach every sector of the community and address multiple needs throughout KFL&A.

How much does United Way spend on fundraising and administration costs?
United Way keeps fundraising costs to a minimum thanks to community partnerships and thousands of volunteers.  Our audited financial statements show our fundraising costs to be 12 percent including administration. The average fundraising costs for non-profit organizations in Canada are between 20 & 50%.

If United Way raises funds for so many agencies, why do I still receive requests for money?
There are many organizations in our community that are not funded by United Way. For member agencies, The United Way does not provide 100% funding for any one program or to any agency. This is to ensure sustainability and viability of all United Way funded programs or services.

I live outside of Kingston.  Where will my donation go?
You can designate your donation to any specific United Way community or a specific charity (member or non member agency) by indicating your choice on your pledge card.

My spouse gives at work.  Why should I give?
United Way volunteers suggest that we all make a contribution based on our individual income level. Through payroll deduction, one smaller gift, added to another, equals a painless way to give a larger gift. You can combine your gifts for favorable tax write offs and recognition.

Doesn’t the government provide money to help your agencies?
United Way itself does not receive government funding. Many government departments fund or purchase services from United Way agencies. United Way is the only stable source of funding for some agencies. 

I never use agency programs, so how do I benefit by giving to United Way?
United Way is a network of care that you support now so that essential programs and services will be available in the event that you need to access them. Your gift ensures that you and those you care about will have support when it is needed. Your gift to the United Way is a sound investment in the quality of life of your community. Whether it helps your neighbour cope with a hearing or vision loss or supports children at risk, we all benefit from a healthy, supportive community.

I don’t like Agency X.  I don’t want my money to go to them, so why should I give to the United Way?
There are many agencies that the United Way funds that provide essential services to one in three local residents. Why penalize all of them because of one agency? 

When will the agency I have designated to receive my donation?
If you give by cash, cheque or credit card, your donation will be sent to the agency in January of the year immediately following the campaign along with all other donations directed to that agency. If you give through payroll deduction, your donation will be sent to the agency in the spring, a full year after the campaign, once all payroll deductions have been collected, remitted, and consolidated to United Way. I.e. If you donated in the 2009 campaign, your pledge is deducted from your pay in 2010 and the funds will be sent to the agency in the spring of 2011.

When will I get a tax receipt for my donation?
If you give through payroll deduction, your contribution will be on your T4 at the end of the next calendar year. If you give by cash, cheque or credit card, your tax receipt will be mailed to your home address by February 28 of the following year. Please ensure you complete the home address section of the pledge form if donating by cheque, cash or credit card as CRA requires that tax receipts be sent to home addresses.

What if I retire?
You have two options. You may pay off the balance in a single payment or continue your annual support as a residential donor. If you provide your address on your pledge form and check the box indicating that you are retiring, United Way will send a pledge form to your residence in future years so that you can continue your support. You can continue to do say in monthly installments through credit card or preauthorized payment.

I’m concerned about protecting my privacy.  What does United Way do with my personal information?
All information concerning your contribution is confidential. It is treated with the strictest confidence. The United Way serving KFL&A does not trade, sell or distribute donor information.

What is The Eternity Fund?
The Eternity Fund is United Way serving KFL&A’s community-wide endowment fund. Donations to the Fund are permanently invested, and the interest is used to help United Way fund programs and services to help all residents live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging.

What is 211?
Dialing 211 will connect you instantly with vital information related to community, social, government and health services. The service will be administered out of Ottawa, and works closely with your local United Way to ensure residents have access to information and services.