FAQ's

What is United Way of Lapeer County?
We are a local, independent non-profit organized in the state of Michigan to serve the residents of Lapeer County. Today, United Way of Lapeer County is the largest charitable funder of local health and human services in our area.

What does United Way do besides raise and invest funds?
We form partnerships with businesses, government, and nonprofits to make a greater difference than any of us could do working alone. For example: Working through the Community Support Council, United Way teamed with business, nonprofits and government to develop a program to address the needs of school-age children and their families. The KIND program has become a model to help children overcome barriers to school success by providing a wrap-around approach including the school, family and child.

United Way of Lapeer County is the first place for people to call when they need help and don't know where to start. First Call For Help is a toll-free information and referral line, answered by trained information specialists with comprehensive information on local programs for all types of needs. Please call (810) 667-3114 or 1-866-4-LAPEER.

United Way of Lapeer County is our community's largest clearinghouse for volunteers. Its Volunteer Center recruits and places volunteers in dozens of local non-profit organizations.

Why should I give to United Way when I already give to my favorite charity?
We all have things we support as individuals to make a difference, like volunteering as a mentor or giving to our church or favorite charity. But after that, there is some work that we can only do together-as a community. That is where United Way of Lapeer County comes in. There is no other place where one gift can do so much good and improve so many lives.

One gift to United Way helps build strong families, helps children and youth succeed, encourages vital neighborhoods, and promotes health and independence for seniors and people with disabilities.

Many people need help from more than one agency. United Way ensures that a full range of services is available.

In times of disaster and tragedy, our community is prepared, because we are the primary funder of disaster relief services through agencies like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

How do I know my contribution is well spent?
Local volunteers make sure that pledged dollars are distributed according to donor wishes, and then they invest the remainder to have the greatest impact on people's lives.

Volunteers study needs, set priorities, review agency budgets and measure their performance to make sure the donated dollars are being used as wisely as possible. Since most of us don't have the time to evaluate all the causes that ask for our help, United Way's volunteers serve as our representatives, making sure that many necessary services are available in our area and that those who need help most can get it.

How does United Way of Lapeer County keep costs low?
Because of our more that 160 volunteers, United Way maintains very low overhead costs. Of each dollar raised, only 14 cents goes to administration and fundraising. The Better Business Bureau suggests that charities with 50% overhead costs or lower are acceptable. Fourteen percent overhead is very low in comparison to most charities.

What is United Way of Lapeer County's relationship to United Way of America?
United Way of America is the national membership organization whose purpose is to help local United Ways accomplish their missions by doing things local United Ways cannot do efficiently alone. We pay UWA ¾ of a penny on the dollar to provide us with advertising, training and some pledge processing.

United Way of Lapeer County is a separate organization governed by its own board of directors, and headed by its own president. UWA does not set policies nor does it govern our local United Way.

I don't like one of your agencies; someone I know didn't get help from that agency.
We know that people sometimes dislike the policies or practices of one agency or another. The concept of United Way is that while we may not like every organization or everything about the services included, there is value in being part of the greater good. On our pledge form, you can choose to designate your gift to a particular agency if you prefer.If you have a complaint about a particular agency or their practices, please contact us. All complaints will be checked out thoroughly and you will receive a response.

I live in Lapeer County but work somewhere else, how can I support services in my community?
If your employer conducts an annual United Way campaign ask your company's campaign volunteer about designating. Each coordinator should be familiar with the process used by your employer. Some have a space directly on the pledge form, some require a separate form and some use an automated phone system. If you have trouble finding the information you need, please call our campaign division at 810-667-3114 ext. 13 for assistance.

If your employer does not conduct an annual United Way campaign, you may donate electronically at our Donate Here page on this website, or call the United Way office at 810-667-3114 and request a pledge form.