What exactly is the Plymouth Community United Way?

The Plymouth Community United Way is a nonprofit fundraising organization. We raise money to provide funding to health and human service programs serving Michigan residents in the Plymouth and Canton communities. We focus on specific areas of impact, which include: strengthening families, assisting the elderly, assisting the disabled, and youth services.

I've never been helped by United Way, and probably never will. Why should I contribute?

You may be surprised as to how many people you may know that have been touched by a United Way funded agency. Do you know of any youth involved in Scouts, or perhaps someone who has had a blood transfusion? How about someone who was assisted with hospice for a terminally ill family member, or a friend's mom or dad who's been able to stay at home with the Lifeline program? These are just a few examples of programs that receive funding by the Plymouth Community United Way.

Why should I give to the United Way instead of directly to a specific agency?

By giving to the Plymouth Community United Way you're able to assist the largest number of people possible with your gift. When a person or family is in crisis, they need services from multiple agencies and programs--not just one. Our focus is to make sure assistance is provided from the largest number of resources possible.

What if you provide money to an agency that I prefer not to contribute to?

We honor requests for designations to approved 501(c)(3) agencies. If you choose to not fund a specific organization we will make sure that organization is excluded from your gift.

The Plymouth-Canton area is fairly affluent. Are there really needy people here?

Yes, there are homeless people and families living in poverty here in Plymouth and Canton. We don't see quite the numbers as in some neighboring communities, but there is much need here. With the weakened economy the need for assistance is greater than ever before. Recently we contacted our member agencies about their increased requests for services. They're reporting an increase of 25% over the past 12 months and that additional funds are needed to meet the rising need. Your contribution does make a difference!

What about government programs? Isn't that what they're supposed
to do?

State and federal funding cuts are seriously affecting our government-funded health and human service agency programs. Local governmental entities are reporting that crucial programs are being cut from those people who need it the most. We don't see the economic picture improving any time soon. We all need to step up to help our friends and neighbors here in the Plymouth-Canton area.


How much of my money is going to be spent on administrative fees?

Currently, our administrative and campaign costs total less than 18%--that's over 82 cents on a dollar going directly to assist those in need here in the Plymouth-Canton area.

The national average for charitable overhead is at 40%, according to the National Charities Information Bureau. Additionally, we fund programs not agencies. The funds we provide to our agencies must be used to assist those in need. Our member agencies are required to find means to cover their own overhead costs.

We review our administration costs regularly. We have an Endowment Fund which we're developing to assist with these costs in the upcoming years. Our goal is to have all administrative and campaign costs covered by the Endowment Fund.

Who makes the decision as to how my money should be spent?

A committee of people who work or reside in Plymouth-Canton area review current needs. They're our friends and neighbors. They scrutinize agency budgets, go on site visits and deliberate to make final recommendations to
our Board of Directors as to how to fund programs annually.

I'm on a very tight budget. How could I possibly make a difference?

It's relatively painless. With a little thought and a small sacrifice, you could skip buying one soda pop per week and donate a dollar a week. That's $52 a year to the United Way. Or, go without a fast-food lunch one day a week -- that amount could increase to $5 a week or $260 a year. We appreciate any assistance you're able to give. We'll work with you to set up your payment any way that works best for you, through payroll deduction, credit card payment or direct billing.


Can I donate money online?

Yes, a secure online donation can be made by going to "I Want to Donate" on the Plymouth Community United Way Web site (www.plymouthunitedway.com) and follow the instructions. If you'd like, we'll work with you on a payment plan and can accommodate payroll deduction, credit card or direct bill options. Call us at (734) 453-6879.

If someone doesn't know where to turn for help, what should they do?

Call the United Way Call Center by dialing "2-1-1" or (800) 522-1183. United
Way representatives are available 24-hours-a-day to assist you in finding an
agency to assist you with your current need.


How can I volunteer?

We'd love to have you join us. You can volunteer several ways. Call the
Plymouth Community United Way at (734) 453-6879 to get on our mailing list
for interested volunteers. You may also contact one of our agencies directly.