Do you have questions about us? We have answers! Below are commonly asked questions about Cedar Valley United Way. If your question isn't answered here, please contact us.
United Way is a worldwide organization, made up of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways across 41 countries and territories. Each United Way is independent of one another, separately incorporated and governed by local volunteers. United Ways work to bring together communities to focus on the most important needs in each community, collaborating with other local organizations to build trusted partnerships and leverage resources to create positive change.
At Cedar Valley United Way, we focus on education, income and health.
Our children need a quality education so that one day they can find employment that provides economic stability and mobility. Everyone needs good health to perform well at work or school (including mental health). Families and individuals are working to become financially stable to build a safety net of funds.
We’re working toward a day when every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed: when every third-grader reads proficiently, every student has what’s needed to reach graduation, and every graduate is fully prepared for success in college and/or their career. We envision a day when every adult can find and keep a job that leads to financial stability and when every individual has the resources to live a happy, healthy, productive life.
Our community’s challenges are bigger and more complex than one organization can solve alone. That’s why, when you invest your dollars with the United Way, you’re investing in multiple organizations that are expected to deliver measurable results to improve the lives of children, families and individuals in the Cedar Valley.
When you give to United Way, the value of your dollar multiplies, and that’s a smart investment. For every $1.00 given to United Way, $0.99 stays in our community. That often includes investment match opportunities, tax breaks and more. That’s a positive return.
Our United Way is an entirely autonomous agency; however, we send 1% of money raised to United Way Worldwide for annual association dues. In addition to naming rights, these dues provide access to a plethora of resources including public policies, communication materials, best practices and a large network of United Way employees from around the world.
Yes. As an individual donor, you may designate a portion or all of your United Way gift to a specific nonprofit organization or focus area/s. Eligible nonprofits must be a 501(c)(3) in the United States.
Skilled and trained committees made up of 27 community volunteers review, evaluate and recommend grantees that address important needs in our community. Then, our Board of Directors gives final approval. Read more about the process here.
A complete listing of our current funded community partners can be found here. It includes 63 programs at 39 organizations in our community.
No matter the amount, a donation to United Way makes a direct impact on our community. If you’re unable to give monetarily, consider giving your time by volunteering.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
If you, your family, or someone you know needs assistance with things such as housing, food, employment, paying utilities, or any other crisis, you can dial 2-1-1 from a landline or (866) 469-2211 from your mobile phone. United Way 211 is a free, confidential information and referral helpline available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
Every company has a mission statement. This can add impact to yours. Small businesses. Major corporations. Nonprofits. Whatever the size or focus of your organization, Cedar Valley United Way will partner with you to develop a customized campaign that aligns with your corporate values and the interests of your employees. Your time, energy and donations can be directly targeted to specific causes and charitable organizations.
Cedar Valley United Way workplace ambassadors are here to get you up and running, and assist you on your way to a winning campaign. To get started, check out our Workplace Campaign Toolkit.
If you wish to start a workplace campaign at your organization, email UnitedWay@cvuw.org.