FAQS

What are UWSSC goals?

United Way’s goal is to help create long-lasting changes and partnerships, by addressing the underlying causes of problems that affect families, children, seniors and individuals from reaching their full potential. United Way’s believe that everyone deserves the same opportunities to succeed in life.

• Education is a cornerstone for success in school, work and life. And it benefits the whole community: high school graduates earn more and contribute more to their local economies, are more engaged in their communities, and are more likely to raise kids who also graduate. United Way is about more than short-term charity for a few; we’re about lasting solutions that build opportunity for all. We look at the big picture: what resources are lacking or need strengthening, and how we can address those gaps to keep kids on track to graduation.
• Income stability - The whole community benefits when more working individuals and families are able to stop walking a financial tightrope and get on solid ground. That’s why we focus on lasting solutions that go beyond charity, because financially stable people are more likely to have access to quality health care, provide a good education for their children, and contribute to their local economies.
• Healthy Lifestyles are an essential ingredient for individual success and a thriving community. Healthy kids are more likely to succeed in school. The whole community will flourish when all of our residents have access to public parks, playgrounds, healthy foods and quality healthcare. We are committed to more than short-term charity for a few; we are committed to lasting solutions that build opportunity for all.

Want to put a face to the people in our community that UWSSC serves?

The ALICE Report link here……

Where do I find out more info on agency programs UWSSC supports?

Our current funded programs are administered by the agencies’ found under the tab LINKS, which has their websites listed.

How do people find help from UWSSC?

UWSSC does not provide any direct services, we fund area programs that touch, change and improve South County citizens lives. 

Who decides what programs are funded?

Every year thirty-five or more community minded volunteers, comprised of a varied cross section of our community, review our annual “Allocation” applications. They are called allocations because the programs funded receive a monthly allocation, not a lump grant sum. Allocation volunteers are selected throughout the year.

The process starts with agency applications going out at the end of January. They are due back at the end of March. Grant applications are sent to current allocation recipients and to those that throughout the year have asked and demonstrated their South County commitment. In April, UWSSC divides up the applications between the five panels of volunteers, who arrange site visits along with staff and or client interviews for each application reviewed. The panels evaluate the program financials, program information and data on how the program has impacted or invested in the communities we serve so questioning can be tough.

Then the UWSSC Board of Directors reviews the recommendations’ and make their final decisions’ by the end of July. The UWSSC fiscal year runs from Aug. 1st through July 31st. So the approved agencies receive their first allocation mid-August, with consecutive payments for the next 11 months. .

Are there other volunteer opportunities with UWSSC?

We have various committees that meet throughout the year for our Special Events. Please see the Tab “News and Events” for details. Get involved and have fun! We enjoy new faces and ideas.

I am interested in getting more information on how to start a UWSSC Campaign or Special Event at my work, school, Club. How do I get that started?

Please call the office @ 941-484-4811 . We will be happy to assist you with fundraising ideas, UW materials, employee incentives and plenty of support so you will have a successful campaign.

My Company would like to support United Way. How do we get this going?

Call 484-4811 and we will set up an appointment to visit with you and discuss how to run a successful campaign.

Is UWSSC part of a national organization?

Every United Way in the Country belongs to United Way Worldwide. We belong to ensure compliance, transparency and donor trust. Each United Way strictly serves its own local community. That is the objective of United Way’s worldwide, to increase their own communities’ capacity to take care of one another.

Transparency?

Cost efficiency is one of our main priorities and our 990 IRS statement is available to you for review at any time. Please request a copy by e-mailing office@uwssc.com.