Frequently Asked Questions

United Way is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency that brings people and communities together to advance the common good. We partner with local nonprofits, businesses, government and social service agencies to address our community’s most pressing needs.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the community. Our vision is to strengthen communities by focusing on uniting and mobilizing resources in support of the building blocks for a better life: education, health, financial stability, and essentials.

Contributed dollars are allocated where they will provide a better life for everyone. Programs are aimed at helping all people, although some may be restricted by income or other criteria.

Giving to United Way is an easy, effective, efficient means to meet your charitable goals. United Way is in the business of advancing the common good by focusing on the basics we all need for a good life. No other organizations provide sustainable funding to support a block of health and human service partners. United Way is the collective power of people working toward long-term solutions that improve lives and community conditions.

Donating through payroll deduction at your workplace is one of the easiest ways to give. A pledge can also be made directly United Way of Southwest Alabama by calling 251-433-3624. United Way of Southwest Alabama also accepts contributions in the form of willed bequests or planned gifts. Donors should contact their financial advisor for details.

Yes. Donors may designate all or a portion of their gift to one of the four building blocks, partner programs, or another United Way. Partners are encouraged to acknowledge designated gifts when possible. When a contribution is designated, the gift is limited to help only the agencies and programs receiving that designation, instead of all the programs and/or Community Impact issues that United Way supports.

An undesignated gift takes advantage of United Way’s thorough, research-based program selection that gets the money to the issues and areas that need it most. This allows you to help the most people and do the most good for our entire community.

Dollars raised for the general United Way campaign stay in the counties served by UWSWA to benefit our community. Currently, UWSWA serves Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington counties.

The only funds that leave our community are those designated to other United Ways and one percent of the dollars raised that goes toward United Way national/state dues. Funds raised through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and the Alabama State Employees’ Charitable Campaign (ASECC) are dedicated to designated local, state, national, and international agencies.

A team of more than 40 volunteers, representing all areas of our community, ensure partners meet strict accountability standards and review applications for funding.

After selection, these programs are rigorously monitored to ensure they produce positive, measurable results. Every two years, all of our programs go through an open and competitive review process to ensure that the most effective programs in our community are receiving support.

You’ve probably been helped by a United way funded program without even knowing it because we support such a wide variety of organizations. Your gift ensures that services like emergency shelter or disaster assistance will be available if you ever need them. Many people give because there are a number of people in our community who are unable to afford the help they need.

United Way 2-1-1 can connect you to local community resources – from job training programs and childcare to counseling services and financial assistance. Staffed by trained professionals, this free, confidential help line is available 24-7.

Just dial 2-1-1 from any land line. Cell phone users can call 1-888-421-1266. This service is also available online.