Making a gift to United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties is the most effective way to help our local children. Many donors direct their entire pledge to the Areas of Greatest Need, which helps us advance early
literacy, enhance student success, and expand services to local non-profits who provide critical services and support for our local kids.
Making a Designated Gift
Some donors choose to direct - or “designate” - all or part of their gift to one or more specific agencies. We process these donor-directed gifts as a service to our donors. We ensure that each agency receiving designated gifts is a 501(c)(3) organization that complies with the United States Patriot Act.
Space is provided on our pledge form to write in designated agencies and amounts.
Agency Payments and Acknowledgment
Designated gifts made to our partner agencies are sent in addition to any grant funding provided by UWBFCO.
Pledges made through payroll deduction are paid to agencies quarterly beginning in April. One-fourth of each designated payroll deduction gift is paid during the year in April, July, October, and in January of the following year.
Gifts paid by cash, check, credit card or stock are distributed to designated agencies in the next quarterly designation payout.
Donor names and gift details are forwarded to designated agencies unless the donor chooses to not release this information, or if an employer does not provide UWBFCO with detailed donor gift information.
Administrative and Fundraising Costs
Currently, UWBFCO charges a service fee of only 11.5% to cover the costs of fundraising, collecting, processing and distributing donor-designated gifts. The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance recommends that responsible charities spend no more than 35% of income on administrative and fundraising costs (BBB Wise Giving Alliance).