What is United Way?
No single nonprofit can do this work alone. United Way brings people and resources together to support programs and initiatives that help everyone in Washington County reach their full potential. A prepared workforce and a stable economy depend on our collective success in youth opportunities, financial security, and a healthy, resilient community, and United Way is leading the way forward.
Who runs United Way? Does it belong to any other company or agency?
United Way of Washington County, MD, is a local, independent, and autonomous organization. We are managed right here in our community — not by a parent or national organization.
A local Board of Directors guides our work, made up of individuals who live and/or work in Washington County. These dedicated community leaders volunteer their time and expertise, serving without compensation, to help build a stronger, healthier, and more sustainable community for all.
Our Board represents a diverse mix of local talent — including entrepreneurs, bankers, retirees, government employees, media professionals, and insurance and investment experts. Together with our small but mighty staff team, they ensure that United Way’s mission and impact remain deeply rooted in the needs and priorities of Washington County.
What does the term "501(c)(3)" mean?
What is the United Way Campaign?
Donors also have the option to designate part or all of their gift to a nonprofit organization of their choice, ensuring their contributions support the causes they care about most.
There are so many charities these days. What makes United Way different?
United Way is a leader and catalyst for change in Washington County. We seek new and dynamic ways to tackle challenges that no single agency, donor, volunteer, or sector can solve alone. By uniting people and resources, United Way helps create sustainable solutions that strengthen our entire community.
Contributions made by donors are invested in United Way programs that make a difference right here in Washington County, MD. Gifts to the United Way Community Impact Fund fuel a network of programs that address our county’s highest priority needs — ensuring that resources go where they are needed most.
United Way has been named #1 on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s “America’s Favorite Charities” list and is recognized as the single largest charity in the United States. United Way has held this distinction since at least 2017 — a testament to the trust, transparency, and effectiveness that define our work nationwide.
What are my donation options when I participate in my company’s United Way Campaign?
- through a payroll deduction
- by cash or check as a one-time amount
- using any major credit card
How does the payroll deduction work?
When you choose to make your United Way donation through payroll deduction, you authorize a set amount — determined by you on your pledge form — to be automatically deducted from each paycheck. This convenient option allows you to give consistently throughout the year, making a lasting impact in our community.
You decide the amount that fits your financial situation and the importance you place on supporting your neighbors in need. For many people, a contribution of $3, $5, $10, or $20 per paycheck goes almost unnoticed, yet together, these gifts add up to powerful change. Even the equivalent of one hour’s pay per month is a generous and affordable way to help improve lives and strengthen Washington County.
What if I can’t afford to give much?
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. When combined with the gifts of others, even a small contribution can add up to a life-changing impact for someone in need. Every dollar helps local programs focus on what they do best — providing essential services and support to our community.
If you’re unable to give financially, there are many other ways to contribute. You can share your time, skills, and talents by volunteering with United Way. We’re always looking for volunteers to assist with our campaign efforts, Community Impact investment process, special events, office support, and our annual Day of Caring.
To explore volunteer opportunities, please contact us or visit our website to submit a volunteer form — your involvement truly helps build a stronger Washington County.
Where does the money go once United Way receives it?
How are funding decisions made?
Each year, United Way of Washington County conducts an extensive Community Investment process led by dedicated community volunteers. Local health and human service agencies participate in a competitive grant process, submitting funding requests that align with our key focus areas of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
Volunteer-led committees carefully review these requests, evaluate them against community needs, and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. Upon approval, funds are distributed as annual grants to programs that directly address the most pressing issues in our community.
United Way partners must meet strict accountability standards to be considered for funding and are required to provide quarterly reports on program efficiency and outcomes. Donors receive updates demonstrating the return on investment (ROI)—including measurable results, outcomes, and community impact.
How does United Way determine how much money agencies receive?
United Way of Washington County provides support to local nonprofit agencies through Community Impact Grant Funding. Eligible programs must focus on at least one of our priority areas — Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency — and demonstrate measurable, community-level results.
Grant applications are thoroughly reviewed by trained volunteers who ensure that donations are used responsibly, efficiently, and in ways that can make the most significant impact. This careful review process ensures transparency and accountability in every funding decision.
Can I designate my gift to another nonprofit agency?
Yes. United Way honors donor designations. If you wish to designate your gift to a specific nonprofit organization, you may do so when making your pledge. However, we encourage donors to also consider contributing to United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supports a network of local health and human service programs focused on finding the most effective solutions to community challenges.
It’s important to note that when a donor designates their gift to another nonprofit, United Way has no control over how those designated funds are used by the recipient agency. By contrast, gifts to the Community Impact Fund are carefully invested in programs that demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with our mission to improve lives across Washington County.
Who benefits from my gift?
Every gift contributes to building a healthy, vibrant, and caring community that supports individuals, businesses, and civic organizations alike. Last year alone, more than 81,000 individuals in Washington County were directly impacted by contributions to United Way’s Community Impact Fund.
How can I make a difference?
LIVE UNITED — every day. Give 100%. Take action in any way you can to make a difference. A gift to the Community Impact Fund helps those who need it most, but your time and talents are just as valuable.
There are many ways to get involved in our community through volunteering, advocacy, and education. Explore our website to learn how you can participate or email us with questions about volunteer opportunities, events, or ways to give. Together, we can build a stronger Washington County.