1. What does United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region do?
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is an independent 501(c)3 that functions as a large community platform allowing for individuals, organizations and corporations in the local area to express their philanthropic spirit by providing resources, funding or volunteer opportunities.
2. Who am I helping when I give to United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Community Fund?
You are helping strengthen the entire community. Money raised locally is spent locally on a variety of programs, initiatives and collaborations. United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community.
Our goals are to help people meet their basic needs following a disaster or personal crisis, to help children and youth achieve their potential through education, to help individuals and families become financially stable and independent, and to improve people’s health.
3. Why is it better to give to United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Community Fund rather than directly donating to one organization?
When you give to the Community Fund, you support lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of problems. You help support programs, initiatives and collaborations that United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region knows are achieving measurable results in addressing the most pressing issues in our community. We can provide comprehensive solutions in a way that a single organization cannot do alone. Every dollar donated makes 4x the impact in our community.
4. What is the role of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region in our community?
United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region is the all-encompassing non-profit organization for supporting not only individuals in need within the community, but also other organizations and businesses wanting to make a difference.
5. Does United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region provide services directly to the community?
Yes, we have a Crisis Intervention Fund, Student Emergency Fund, Disaster Response Funds, regular Supply Drives, our Day of Sharing Gift-in-Kind program and Louis Greenspan Children’s Corner, Days of Caring Volunteer Projects, Financial Stability Training, Emergency Response Drives, Mission United for Veterans, Hudson Valley CA$H Free Tax Preparation, Professional Development for Nonprofits and Volunteers, Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1.
6. Who decides which issues United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region will address and which programs or projects are funded?
We convene over 200 community leaders annually to review issues and make funding recommendations to be approved by the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Board of Directors.
7. How can a nonprofit organization receive funding through United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region?
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region funds specific programs or projects through its Community Fund, and does not provide “blanket funding” to organizations. Among the many outcomes required by United Way, our volunteers rate funding requests according to the program’s ability to:
- Provide a needed service in one of the three impact areas (health, education, or financial stability) consistent with the action plans and the specific RFP or invitation to apply under which they are seeking funding;
- Have a positive, measurable impact on our community;
- Provide an annual audit and manage budget responsibly, and;
- Operate as one of the most effective and efficient programs in our community.
8. How does United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region assure organizations that receive funding are effective, efficient and making an impact?
Each program or project selected for funding through United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Community Fund is reviewed throughout the contract term. United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region enters into contract with each funded partner, performs site visits and requires biannual reports. We engage in frequent communication with our funded partners and provide technical assistance (as needed) to ensure effective program progress.
9. How can I give and do I have a choice about where my money goes?
You can donate online through www.uwdor.org/donate, participate in the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Campaign at your workplace, give through special Supply Drives and more. If you would like to give a gift of stock or securities, please call 845-471-1900 ext 3121. Donors giving $10,000 or more annually are recognized as members of the Alexis deTocqueville Society. Donors giving $1,000 or more annually are recognized as members of the Leadership Society. For information about planned giving and membership in the United Way Endowment Society, please contact Jeannie Montano at 845-471-1900 ext 3101 or jmontano@uwdor.org.
Yes, you do have a range of choices of where your money goes:
- You can automatically give your donation to the United Way Community Fund, the most efficient and effective way to help the greatest number of local people with the most pressing health and human-service needs;
- You can designate a portion of your gift to any 501(c)3 organization -- including arts or environmental organizations and schools or churches. Designations are given directly to chosen organizations. Payments are made to these organizations in installments throughout the year, as pledges are collected.
10. What is the relationship between United Way and United Way Worldwide? What about United Way of New York State?
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is an independent organization that as a member both United Way Worldwide and United Way of New York State is able to draw on the resources of both organizations. From learning the best ways to raise money or work with organizations to deliver programs that really help people, to training volunteers and staff, both organizations provide a network of state and world-wide experience to help our United Way increase its ability to help our community.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region is governed by a Board of Directors drawn from local volunteers representing towns and businesses from across Dutchess and Orange Counties.
