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United Way of
Fort Smith Area
320 South 18th
P.O. Box 2300
Fort Smith, AR
72902-2300
479-782-1311
479-782-3505 FAX
Email Us!
Tax ID #71-0329530
Contact Us
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United Way Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I invest in United Way of Fort Smith
Area?
A. United Way of Fort Smith Area (UWFSA) is
committed to making the kinds of smart choices that
can make our community a better place for all of us
to live and work. We use our expertise and community
connections to support thousands of people
throughout our region in ways that make a genuine
difference in their lives. We use our time and
resources as efficiently as we can, to do as much as
we can and to help as many people in as many ways as
we can.
Q. Why am I asked to give to United Way in my
workplace?
A. United Way has always enjoyed a strong
partnership with the business community.
Organizations that host a workplace campaign
understand that we all share a responsibility for
the people and neighborhoods where we live, work and
raise our families. Employees in our annual
workplace campaign donate 54% to our campaign and
inspire many volunteer hours that contribute to real
and lasting progress throughout the community.
Q. Why should I give to United Way in addition to my
other charities?
A. Everyone should give to the charities that are
closest to their hearts. But a gift to United Way
will extend charitable giving by investing in the
needs of the six counties UWFSA serves. This could
include investments in lesser-known agencies that
may not have a big degree of visibility or
awareness.
Q. Why should I give to United Way instead of a
direct service agency?
A. Again, we encourage people to give to all their
charities including direct service agencies.
However, United Way bases its funding allocations on
a rigorous process that demands accountability from
its partners. And we employ our resources and
expertise to work closely with our partners so that
together we will achieve real and lasting results in
the communities we serve.
Q. Who decides how much money goes to each program
or service?
A. People just like you! Trained volunteers work on
year-round committees called Allocation Councils to
study our most serious problems and the best way to
remedy them. Those volunteer groups decide where to
allocate the funds, assess community needs through
an extensive process and they then direct resources
— money and volunteers — to the area where there are
existing or emerging needs. United Way’s board of
directors makes final funding decisions.
Q. What does United Way do with my donation?
A. Annual campaign contributions are distributed
each year through a vigorous allocation process.
United Way’s mission is is to improve lives by
connecting people and resources in our six-county
area. We’re focused on critical issues like ensuring
children succeed, building adult independence and
building strong communities. One hundred percent of
your donation stays right here in the six-county
area. United Way can be this efficient because
volunteer support keeps costs to a minimum.
Q. Does UWFSA provide funding to the Boy Scouts?
A. Yes. UWFSA continues funding programs of the Boy
Scouts. The Allocation Council believes hundreds of
local boys greatly benefit from Scouting’s proven
record of safe, structured programs.
Q. Does UWFSA support abortion or fund Planned
Parenthood?
A. No. UWFSA does not fund programs that deliver
abortion services nor has it in the past. Planned
Parenthood is not a member agency, so it receives no
allocations or undesignated contributions.
Q. How does an organization apply to receive funding
from UWFSA?
A. When resources allow, UWFSA invites applications
from organizations that demonstrate measurable
results in addressing key issues our communities
have identified as most important. United Way also
helps to meet basic needs, such as food and shelter.
Q. Many of our employees struggle financially. How
can we ask them to help?
A. Some of the most generous givers are those who
themselves needed a helping hand. Everyone should be
given the opportunity to express caring through
charitable giving and to enjoy the emotional reward
of knowing he or she has helped our communities
become safer and stronger. Only the donor can
determine whether he or she can afford to give.
Thanks to payroll deduction, even a small amount
each pay period can add up.
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