Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is United Way?
A. Trident United Way is the organization in the Lowcountry that brings together people, businesses, government, and non-profit organizations to address our most pressing human service problems. Trident United Way focuses on education, income and health -- the building blocks of a good life.

Q. Who owns United Way?
A. You do! Trident United Way is owned and operated by and for our tri-county community. All of our policy decisions are made by an elected Board of Directors comprising a diverse group of Lowcountry citizens.

Q. How does Trident United Way strengthen our community?
A. Trident United Way uses many different strategies. One is to invest in programs and services that get real results helping people who need it most. Another is to create initiatives that address important issues, like the Child Care Resource & Referral service, Links to Success initiative, 211 Hotline and more.

Q. How is United Way making a difference in our community?
A. Here is one example: Nearly half the school children in our community either don't graduate high school or graduate without the skills to succeed in an information-age workplace. Since 1998, Trident United Way has dramatically increased its investment in programs targeting parenting education, early childhood development, after-school programs, and workplace readiness. During that time, the percentage of children entering first grade unprepared to learn - a key indicator of future success - dropped by 25%.

Q. How does Trident United Way decide which programs to invest in?
A. Trident United Way invests in programs that measurably improve people's lives and have the greatest impact in our community. United Way can't solve all our community's problems, so we focus on education, financial stability and health -- without which no one can live a productive life. Nearly 200 volunteers make the difficult decisions about which programs were the most effective and deserved donors' support.

Q. Why does United Way invest in some programs and not in others?
A. Our volunteers make the difficult decisions about which programs align with Trident United Way's objectives, are the most effective and deserve donors' support.

Q. To whom can I designate?
A. Trident United Way provides an extra service to our customers, allowing them to donate through United Way to any 501(c)(3) charity in America. Trident United Way sends that money directly to that agency above and beyond any investment United Way makes through its annual investment process in programs run by that agency. However, when you direct your gift elsewhere, Trident United Way can't guarantee that your contribution is having a measurable impact in our community.

Q. How much of my designation goes to the agency I choose?
A. On average, Trident United Way distributes 85 cents of every designated dollar it collects. However, TUW never charges more than $75 to raise, collect and distribute a designated gift.

Q. Why does TUW ask for my email address on the pledge card?
A. Part of Trident United Way's promise is to report to you on our progress. Sending information via email is the fastest and most cost-effective way to do that. But don't worry, we don't give your email address to anyone else and we send our newsletter out just once a month.

Q. My employer forces me to give to United Way.
A. Giving to United Way must always be voluntary. The donor is our customer and we want satisfied customers. Trident United Way has a specific policy against coercion. If you feel you've been forced to give, we want to know about it. Call us anonymously at 740-9000, x261 or email us at dnicole@tuw.org.

Q. I heard about some problems at a United Way. Was that Trident United Way?
A. No. Each of the nation's 1,800 United Ways is an independently operated organization, responsible to its own community. Some United Ways have gotten into trouble for violating national guidelines on the reporting and expenditure of donations. Trident United Way adheres to the strictest ethical and financial standards. If you have questions, contact us at 740-9000 or ckerrigan@tuw.org.

Q. How much does United Way spend on fundraising and salaries?
A. Trident United Way keeps its costs lower than virtually any other charity organization. Because it operates according to strict business principles, Trident United Way is able to invest about 85 cents of each dollar we collect in programs and services helping people in need. Comparing that to 75 cents for comparable national organizations and the guideline of at least 60 cents by the National Charities Information Bureau shows how cost-effective Trident United Way is. Charity Navigator, a not for profit watchdog group, has given Trident United Way its highest ranking of four stars!

Q. Why did Trident United Way decide not to fund the Boy Scouts' ScoutReach program? A. TUW is an open and competitive grant maker that requires its funded programs to have the highest level of fiscal accountability and deliver measurable results. TUW’s volunteer leadership takes very seriously their responsibility to be stewards of the contributions people in our community make to TUW.

The Boy Scouts had been warned by TUW's volunteer oversight committee in 2009 that their funding could be eliminated if they didn’t better document how the money was used and how the ScoutReach program helped its clients. During the most recent application review period, the Boy Scouts failed to provide evidence of improvement of their outcomes or their fiscal accountability.

Based on their concerns about fiscal responsibility and outcome measurement, three committees, including more than 50 volunteers representing a cross-section of our community, unanimously supported the decision not to fund the Boy Scouts' ScoutReach program.

The Boy Scouts can reapply for an investment in the next funding cycle if it demonstrates improved accountability and better measures its effectiveness.

Q. Does United Way invest in programs in Berkeley County and Dorchester County?
A. Absolutely! Trident United Way invests in dozens of programs serving the entire tri-county area. For a list of investments, download our 2010-2011 community investments. In addition, Trident United Way operates centers in downtown Summerville and Moncks Corner that provide coordinated services to Berkeley and Dorchester counties.

Q. I know someone who didn't get help from United Way when they needed it. Why not?
A. Trident United Way helps thousands of people every year get the help they need and improve their lives. Most often, United Way's role is to connect people with the appropriate resources -- not actually deliver it ourselves. To give or get help dial 2-1-1 anytime. Trident United Way's 2-1-1 Hotline is a free, confidential, 24/7 resource to connect people to resources in the community.

Q. How can I find a copy of Trident United Way's IRS 990 form?
A. Click here for our IRS 990 form or click here for our audited financial statement.

Q. Whom do I contact if I have more questions about how Trident United Way operates?
A. We encourage questions about our policies and procedures, because the more people know about us, the more they like us. Email our communications department at barryw@tuw.org or call us at (843) 740-9000.

Q. What is Trident United Way's policy on payment of indirect cost rate to universities?
A. Given the limited dollars available, it is Trident United Way's policy not to pay indirect costs for projects funded at universities where the total amount provided is less than $100,000 annually.

For projects funded for more than $100,000 annually, based on the nature of the project and the activities performed, an indirect cost rate not to exceed 15% may be negotiated for the use of the department funded to perform the required work.