Nonprofit Capacity

The United Way workplace campaign unites employees in all offices or departments of a workplace, and gives them an opportunity to donate, volunteer and speak out for causes that matter to them. You can see the results in your own backyard.  Learn more about the charities in Kings County.

Kings United Way is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for over fifty (50) years.  Our goal for the local workplace campaign is to raise much-needed funding for local charities that make our community better.

 

What Does Kings United Way do besides raise and allocate funding?

Kings United Way operates the county-wide 211 system which provides information on community resources through a call center, website and mobile app titled 211 Intelliful™.

In addition to 211, the agency operates a regional Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) which is a database that houses information from homeless service providers.  Both programs provide operating revenue for Kings United Way so that we can keep the overhead for the workplace campaign low.

 

Who runs Kings United Way?

Kings United Way is governed by a group of volunteer Board of Directors.  Unlike other national organizations, Kings United Way is an independent 501c3 and is not governed by United Way Worldwide.  We pay an annual membership fee to use the United Way name and gain access to workplace campaign resources.

 

Who decides what is distributed to each charity?

Kings United Way has very strict policies pertaining to honoring the designations of donors.  If your employer does not operate a donor-designated workplace campaign, those funds are distributed by the Kings United Way Board of Directors.  The allocation of those funds is based on an application from the agency, interview with the leadership of the organization and a site visit if needed.  You can be assured that your donation goes to local charities that use donations as represented and truly help those who need it.

 

What is the overhead and how does it compare to other charities?

Kings United Way works very hard to keep overhead as low as possible.  In 2018, our administration and fundraising percentage was 5%.  On average, most United Ways have overhead rates at 10-20%.  

Kings United Way is able to keep the overhead rates low because we have secured program grant funding to cover a large number of our overhead costs.

 

Does my contribution stay here in Kings County?

Absolutely!  Whether you designate to a charity to receive your gift or the Kings United Way Board of Directors allocate your gift, it will be given to a local charity.

 

What requirements must Kings United Way charities meet?

All affiliates of Kings United Way must be a tax-exempt organization that performs essential human services to Kings County residents.  The agency must be governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and must meet reasonable standards of fiscal responsibility and efficiency.

 

What if someone I know needs help?
Kings United Way operates a free information and referral service called 211.  You may dial 211, visit the website at 211kingscounty.org or download the 211 Intelliful ™ mobile app.