Frequently Asked Questions

What is United Way of San Diego County?
For 90 years, United Way of San Diego County has been a locally governed, non-profit fundraising organization that focuses on bringing together people and resources to assist those in need and improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.

Is United Way a national or local organization?
United Way of San Diego County is a local, autonomous, non-profit organization. Like nearly 1,400 other United Ways across the country, we are governed by a local volunteer board of directors. United Way of San Diego County pays nominal dues to United Way Worldwide in exchange for cost-saving services such as staff training, community research information, campaign products, NFL advertising and ongoing consultation.

Where will my donation go and what impact will it have?
Giving to United Way allows you to join thousands of other generous San Diego County donors in helping solve our community's most critical issues. When you donate to United Way you help families stay together, keep children and youth safe, help the homeless move off the streets, ensure seniors and people with disabilities remain independent and assist those with health or emergency needs. Your United Way donation supports a wide network of services that together serve entire families and neighborhoods. United Way turns your good intentions into results—by making the greatest difference possible in our communities.

What is the United Way/CHAD Campaign?
The United Way/CHAD Campaign is one of San Diego County's most effective annual community fundraising efforts. Last year, more than 35,000 San Diego County residents—most donating at their place of work through payroll deduction—gave more than $20 million to their community through the campaign.

What is CHAD?
In San Diego, Combined Health Agencies is United Way's partner in the annual United Way/CHAD Campaign. Founded more than 35 years ago, Combined Health Agencies represents chapters of 24 local and national health organizations dedicated to providing community services, public and professional education and funding to support research.

Why should I give to the United Way/CHAD Campaign instead of donating my money elsewhere?
You can have a greater impact in the community with a donation to United Way because your gift is combined with the contributions of thousands of other donors to address San Diego's most serious problems. United Way also invests in services designed to prevent problems before they start.

Community volunteers carefully review each United Way-funded agency on an annual basis to ensure agencies adhere to sound fiscal policies.

Giving through United Way reduces costly and time-consuming fundraising efforts for the agencies that provide services. This enables them to better spend their time assisting people who need help.

When you donate to the United Way/CHAD Campaign, your gift can be spread out over the course of a year through payroll deduction, making it easier for you to support the human care needs of our community.

Why should I invest in United Way of San Diego County if I don't benefit from any of the services?
You might be surprised to learn how many organizations that touch our lives are supported by donations to United Way. Southbay Community Services, Community Housing Works, Rady Children's Hospital and North County Lifeline are just a few of our funded partners that provide services that benefit everyone.

How much of my gift goes for services versus administrative costs?
United Way takes pride in operating with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. We work hard to keep the cost of fund raising to a minimum so more donor dollars go for services. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends that non-program service expenses not exceed 35% of total expenses. We are proud to say that for the 2012-2013 fiscal year, our overhead is 10.01 percent. 

Does United Way of San Diego County offer major gift and planned giving programs?
For those with the ability and desire to give more, United Way offers the Leadership Giving Society for donations of $1,000 to $9,999 annually, and The Alexis de Tocqueville Society for annual gifts of $10,000 or more. For planned giving, United Way's Endowment Fund sustains your caring beyond your lifetime.

Is my donation tax deductible?
Your gift is tax-deductible if you itemize on your tax return, subject to IRS restrictions.