• What exactly is the Plymouth Community United Way?

The Plymouth Community United Way is a non-profit fundraising organization. We raise money to provide funding to over 30 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 member of their family, or a friend’s mom or dad who’s been able to stay at home with theLifeline 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 all requests for designations—either positive or negative. If you choose to not fund a specific organization, we will make sure that organization is excluded from your gift.

• Plymouth is pretty affluent. Are there really needy people here?

Yes, there are homeless people and families living in poverty here in Plymouth. We don’t see quite the numbers as in our neighboring metro areas, but there is much need here. With the population explosion we’re currently dealing with, as well as 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 10-25% 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 brightening any time soon. We all need to step up to help our friends and neighbors here in Plymouth.

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

Currently, our administrative and campaign costs total less than 25%--that's over 75 cents
on a dollar going directly to assist those in need here in Plymouth.

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 have 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.

• How much of my money is going to go out of Plymouth?

As stated previously. we fund programs not agencies. Currently we have several
state agencies such as Paws With A Cause, Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan,
Autism Society of Michigan, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Michigan, to
name a few, who are requesting funds as they provide service to Plymouth Community.
Those requests are being considered based on how great an impact they provide for
community residents.

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

Over 18 volunteers sit on the Allocations Committee each year. These are people who work and reside in Plymouth. They’re our friends and neighbors. They scrutinize agency budgets, go on site visits and deliberate to make final recommendation to our Board of Directors as to how to fund programs annually.

• Can I get involved in the decision making process?

Sure! We’d love to have you join us. Call our office at 734-453-6879 and we’ll get you on the mailing list for interested volunteers. The Allocations process takes place each year in March
and April.

• 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 and 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 however it works best for you—through payroll deduction, credit card payment, or direct billing.

• Can I donate money on-line?

Yes, a secure on-line donation can be made by going to “I Want to Donate” and following 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.

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

Call our office at 734-453-6879 and we’ll connect them with the agency(s) that will meet
their needs.

• How can I volunteer?

You can volunteer several ways. Call our office at 734-453-6879 or contact one of our
agencies directly.