FAQ

United Way of Southern Chester County is a local, autonomous, nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of residents in our community. It is governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors responsible for determining policy and overseeing every aspect of our organization. United Way of Southern Chester County conducts an annual fundraising campaign and invests those funds in local programs and agencies that have a proven ability to impact lives. No other non-profit organization makes a more positive, and comprehensive impact in Southern Chester County.

We raise funds to support health and human service programs through our partner agencies to help those most in need. What makes us different from other nonprofits focused on these issues is how we work. We are the ONLY nonprofit that brings together people and resources from every sector – volunteers, advocates, and donors, partner agencies, townships, boroughs, and governments to develop and deliver new solutions in Southern Chester County.

Each of the 1,100+ United Ways throughout the world is autonomous and supported by local volunteers. United Way Worldwide (headquartered in Virginia) is the umbrella organization. United Way of Southern Chester County has four (4) staff members working across the 19 townships and 4 boroughs in Southern Chester County. Our volunteers, from all walks of life, assist with United Way of Southern Chester County operations, from Board membership, to fundraising, to community investments to financial management - all year round.

The needs of the community are much broader than any one agency can handle. United Way of Southern Chester County’s partner agencies offer a comprehensive mix of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of our total community. Many of our donors like the option of making one donation and having it spread among many diverse programs in the community, multiplying its impact. We monitor our partner agencies to ensure they adhere to sound fiscal policies, provide effective services, and factual outcomes. In addition, our highly competitive community grant process directs resources to top performing programs and organizations in our community.

United Way of Southern Chester County honors designation requests to member agencies and other United Ways outside our community. However, your undesignated gift (to our Community Impact Fund) ensures that funds raised during the campaign go where they will do the most good in Southern Chester County.

To qualify for consideration as a member agency, an agency must be 1) incorporated for at least two years as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, 2) be led by a volunteer Board of Directors, 3) be non-discriminatory in eligibility for staff, board members, & volunteers and in their service to clients and, 4) provide human services to residents of Southern Chester County.

Each year, United Way of Southern Chester County enlists the support of volunteers representing our community to carefully review agency programs that meet identified needs in the community. Volunteers spend time studying the needs of the community, reviewing funding proposals, vetting organizations and making funding recommendations to United Way of Southern Chester County's volunteer Board of Directors.

Yes. United Way of Southern Chester County has an audit performed annually by an independent CPA firm. The results of the audit are presented to the Board of Directors for their review and approval.

Yes. United Way of Southern Chester County is a tax-exempt, charitable organization recognized under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and all donations are deductible.