Why give to United Way for Southeastern Michigan?  

Your contribution makes a real, measurable difference in lives across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. With your support, we work every day to address the root causes of the most challenging issues faced by households in Southeastern Michigan. United Way brings people together to meet individual needs, mobilize emergency response in times of community-wide crisis, and advocate for systemic change that sets all families up to succeed.    

Where does my contribution go?  

Your gift is directly invested in resources and services that help families move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity, like our 2-1-1 helpline and a variety of programs for those in need. We strive to deliver maximum impact from every dollar across our key areas of work including food security, utility assistance, digital inclusion, education and youth opportunity, economic mobility and more. Additionally, your donation supports research, volunteerism and advocacy efforts focused on creating long-term, sustainable change. Thousands of lives are positively impacted each day because of our donors’ generosity. This work is not possible without your support!  

What are United Way’s administrative costs?  

Maintaining low overhead costs ensures your contribution is put to work doing good in the community. We are extremely proud of our long history of delivering maximum impact from every dollar raised as demonstrated by our four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Our total administrative cost ranges from 10 to 18 percent depending on the year’s revenue streams.  This low overhead cost is complemented by United Way’s unique ability to meet shifting community needs by putting resources where they’re needed most — whether an individual family is in need or we’re facing a community crisis like a natural disaster.  

Is my gift really important? Would my contribution be missed if I did not give?  

Yes! Your gift matters! The need in our community far outweighs available resources and every gift helps ensure that vital services are available for anyone in need.    

I would like to help but just can’t afford it.  

Giving is just one way to support our community. You can also volunteer your time and you can advocate for policies that help families prosper and children thrive.  Your time and your voice are valuable contributions that can make a big difference!     

Why do some donors receive limited or no communication from United Way?  

We appreciate your gift very much, and you can be confident that it’s making a difference! Each company that supports our work through a workplace campaign has different privacy agreements with United Way, some of which restrict our ability to communicate directly with their employees, whether they donate or not. If you would like to better understand how your gift makes a difference and learn about other ways to get involved, visit UnitedWaySEM.org/StayInformed and use your personal email to sign up for updates.  

What are some benefits of giving a larger gift?  

In addition to having an even greater impact, a larger gift can qualify you for membership in groups like our Emerging Philanthropists or Tocqueville Society. Click the Affinity Groups tab at the top of the page to learn more.    

Can I designate where my contribution goes?  

Your contribution has the largest impact when it is undesignated, allowing United Way initiatives like the Community Investment Fund to quickly and efficiently distribute dollars where they are needed most. However, if you prefer to direct your donation to one of United Way's partner agencies, you are free to do so.    

Are all United Ways the same?  

No. While the mission in service to community is constant among the United Way network, each local United Way is an independently governed nonprofit organization with its own leadership team and a local board of directors. This structure ensures that each United Way is deeply rooted in the community it serves and able to approach its work in ways that best meet local needs. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is a mission-driven, locally funded human service organization focused on meeting the needs of people across Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Donations are invested directly in providing meaningful support and services here in our region.   

Have additional questions?  

Email WorkplaceGiving@UnitedWaySEM.org.  

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