 |
 |
Who is Cumberland Trails United Way? Cumberland Trails United Way is a local, independent, volunteer-driven organization, run by and for the community. The United Way stretches each donor's dollar as far as it can by supporting a network of organizations that work together to help people in need. In most cases, someone seeking help for health and human services needs support from several places. For instance, a battered woman may turn to a crisis hotline for shelter; once safe, she may turn to other agencies for education, child care, counseling or legal advocacy. Cumberland Trails United Way volunteers are trained to maximize contributions to United Way's General Fund, investing them wisely in programs that get results while making certain that services are not duplicated. If a donor opts, however, to designate his or her gift to a particular area of need or even a specific 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Cumberland Trails United Way provides for that choice. 
What geographic area does Cumberland Trails United Way serve? We serve six counties in a three-state area. Counties that we support are Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley counties in Kentucky, Claiborne County in Tennessee and Lee County in Virginia. For more information visit the Area of Service page.
What is Cumberland Trails United Way's mission ? In short, we partner with donors to build healthy and safe communities. For more information see Our Mission page.
What is the difference between Cumberland Trails United Way and the United Way of America? United Way of America (UWA), located in Alexandria, Virginia, is the national service and training center supporting member United Ways by helping them pursue dual strategies of adding value to the community and conducting cost-effective, donor oriented fund-raising to increase financial resources. Cumberland Trails United Way is completely independent of United Way of America, a nonprofit trade association. UWA services are provided to local United Way organizations when association dues are paid to UWA. Can I make a contribution to my favorite charitable organization through Cumberland Trails United Way? Yes. You can make a contribution to any tax-exempt organization of your choice by placing the name and address of the organization on your United Way contribution form. What is the General Fund? United Way's General Fund focuses on needs important to people who live and work in this community -- promoting health and wellness, increasing self-sufficiency, strengthening families and communities, ensuring safety and security, and supporting education and literacy -- and helps the people who need it most. When a donor gives to the General Fund, trained volunteers invest the gift in a network of community programs and services that work together to provide a continuum of care for those in need. Giving to United Way's General Fund is the most efficient, effective way to support a collection of organizations that solves local problems and serve human needs. How can my organization receive United Way funding? Each year, organizations may apply for grants through an open, competitive process. Grants are awarded to programs based on community priorities. Community priorities are identified through community assessments which determine need. In order for an agency to apply during a given funding cycle, the agency's program must be designed to produce measurable outcomes toward achieving one or more of the priorities. In addition, the agency must be a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal sponsor. The program must benefit people in one or more of the six counties Cumberland Trails United Way serves. To download an agency application please visit our resources area or contact us. What is the advantage of a payroll deduction gift versus a one-time contribution? The payroll deduction benefit that United Way offers -- year-round contributions deducted directly from a donor's paycheck -- allows for convenient giving on an installment basis in any amount. Often by using payroll deductions, larger gifts are possible because giving is incremental rather than all at once. A nonprofit, payroll deduction provides a steady cash flow, allowing it to plan its service delivery. Additionally, it is expensive for individual nonprofits to raise money and process gifts. Processing a larger check from United Way on a quarterly basis is much more efficient.
My company wants to conduct a United Way campaign at our workplace. How can we go about doing this? Giving through Cumberland Trails United Way is the best way to ensure that your contribution is well spent, helps those who really need help and achieves the results you want. If your company is interested in conducting a workplace fundraising campaign, contact our office at 606-248-5603 for more information.
I'd like to volunteer; what do I need to do? Contact the Cumberland Trails United Way office, at 606-248- 5603. We will help to locate a volunteer opportunity for any skill level, interest and schedule.
What can I tell someone I know who needs help but doesn't know what resources are available or who to call? Anyone needing help should contact the Cumberland Trails United Way office, at 606-248- 5603. Phones are answered by trained, knowledgeable volunteers who will listen, assess what service(s) the caller needs, and then provide information and referrals regarding the most appropriate place(s) in the community to get help.
If you or your employees have additional questions, please contact your United Way office at 606-248- 5603.
|