Q. I always donate directly to a particular agency. Why should I give my donation through United Way instead of sending a check directly to my preferred agency?
Your donation is worth more through United Way than if you give it directly to an agency. United Way turns each dollar into $2.40 worth of help through matching gifts, gifts-in-kind and volunteer time. Some matching funds can increase a donation by as much as three-to-one.

 

Q. Can I designate my gift to a UM school, college, department or program through United Way?
All UM programs qualify for 501c3 non-profit status, and you can definitely specify to which UM area you prefer your donation allocated. Please note that, in accordance with IRS guidelines, you may not designate your gift to programs or accounts in which the donor receives a benefit, such as Hurricane Club tickets or admission to events, or has budgetary signatory authority or primary responsibility for the budget to which the gift is being made.

 

Q. If I direct my gift to a UM school, college, department, or program, does my gift also count toward the UM Campaign?
Yes. Absolutely. Your gift to United Way, directed to UM, counts toward the UM Campaign.

 

Q. How do I sign up to make my United Way donation by payroll deductions?
Sign in to http://myUM.miami.edu, and click on “United Way Contribution” on the lower-left side of the page. If you’re donating by payroll deduction, be sure to indicate the amount you wish to donate per pay period. The system will calculate the annual total automatically.

 

Q. How can I get a receipt for my online donation?
After clicking “SUBMIT”, simply print the RECEIPT page.

 

Q. If my donation is given through payroll deduction, do I need a receipt?
Only individual donations of more than $250 each require a receipt. Each payroll deduction is considered an individual donation. However, you can print your online donation or pay check receipt at the end of the year from “myUM” for your records.

 

Q. Is my United Way donation fully tax deductible as a charitable donation?
Yes it is eligible but please speak to you tax advisor about your exact deduction.

 

Q. What if I purchase a t-shirt or something sold on campus to benefit United Way?
IRS rules state that only the amount you give that exceeds the value of the goods or services you receive is eligible for deduction.

 

Q. Can I request an acknowledgement from my designated agency?
If you supply your address, you can request a receipt from UW or your agency. UM does not provide your address with your donation unless you specifically authorize us to do so on the online form.

 

Q. If I prefer my donation to be anonymous, how can I request a receipt?
If United Way or your agency does not receive your name with your donation, a receipt in your name cannot be issued. You may however print a receipt when you make an online donation.

 

Q. Can I charge my United Way donation on my credit card?
Yes. Sign on to http://myUM.miami.edu, a secure site, and follow the instructions. Note that only one-time charges may be authorized via credit card-not monthly charges. To make a donation per pay period, please use the payroll deduction method.

 

Q. My wife gives through her place of employment. Why should I give, too?
Your gift is also important. Contributions based on your total family income help close the gap of unmet service needs in our community. Plus, your participation in this vital initiative is a wonderful reflection of your generosity and the University’s commitment to our community.

 

Q. My spouse is also employed at UM. Can we combine our donations and be recognized for a total family gift?
Definitely. Couples who give $1,000 or more are recognized through special events and publications as being part of the Leadership and Endowment Circle. Contact Margo Ambrosetti at UM’s United Way office at 305-243-2738 or unitedway@miami.edu to advise us to combine your household donations.

 

Q. Can our donations be combined even if my spouse/partner doesn’t work for UM?
Yes. Contact Margo Ambrosetti to let us know whose donation should be combined with yours. Your household donation will be recognized by United Way according to your instructions.

 

Q. How can I specify that my gift should assist the needy?
Indicate “Income – Promoting Financial Stability and Independence.” The objective of this impact area is to provide job readiness skills training and employment opportunities; permanent and transitional housing; and financial education to increase savings.

 

Q. How can I specify that my gift should be used to help provide health care?
Indicate “Health – Improving People’s Health” to help strengthen maternal health and infant well-being, the health of children and families, and the productivity of older adults.

 

Q. Are there other areas to which my gift can be designated?
The most powerful way to invest your contribution is to select “Advance the Common Good-United Way Community Plan.”

 

Q. Someone I know recently tried to get help at United Way and was turned down. Why?
Some United Way agencies have waiting lists for services because there is simply not enough funding to cover all requests and fulfill overwhelming needs. Human care agencies need much more support to eliminate their waiting lists and expand services to meet the demands. United Way raises money to fund a wide variety of social service programs. That’s why your contributions make a real difference to the entire community. Neither money nor services are provided directly by United Way.

 

Q. If an individual or family is in need, where can they go for help?
United Way funds Switchboard of Miami, our community’s only 24-hour free information/crisis/referral/phone counseling hotline. Trained counselors who speak English, Spanish and Creole are ready to listen and to guide callers to the appropriate services within our community. They can call 305-358-HELP (358-4357).

Margo Ambrosetti
305-243-2738
unitedway@miami.edu