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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is United Way of the Quad Cities mission?
United Way believes every Quad Citizen deserves the opportunity to lead their best life. These opportunities happen by involving people in volunteerism, advocacy and giving. The result is a mobilized community creating the conditions for every Quad Citizen to lead a happy, successful life and a healthier, stronger region.

What does United Way do?
United Way of the Quad Cities helps people live better lives. We exist to help people, and we do that by mobilizing and connecting resources through volunteerism, advocacy and investing.

How does United Way work?
We amplify our impact together by partnering with organizations, volunteers and donors. As a results-driven organization, we gather data to identify opportunities and then make strategic decisions on how to best utilize our donors, volunteers and partners to help those areas and in-turn help our community at large. We then measure our results, so that we can ensure we’re on-track to creating opportunities for each Quad Citizen to live their best life.

Why should I invest in United Way?
Our community’s challenges are bigger than one organization can solve alone. We know it takes multiple agencies working together to solve the complex issues facing the Quad Cities. That’s why, when you invest your dollars with  United Way, you’re investing in multiple organizations that are expected to deliver measurable results changing the odds for children, families and individuals in our region. 

When you invest in United Way, the value of your dollar multiplies, and that’s a smart investment. For every $1 given to United Way, $1.89 worth of resources are invested back into the Quad Cities. That often includes match funding, in-kind donations and volunteerism. That’s a positive return.

Where does my contribution go?
The dollars invested here stay in the Quad Cities. United Way invests in local programs and resources that help Quad Citizens in need overcome educational barriers, break the cycle of poverty and stay healthy and safe. United Way partners with 36 local organizations, serving 41,855 Quad Citizens annually. 

How does United Way decide what organizations to fund?
All investment decisions are made by local volunteers. More than 150 volunteers convene to evaluate and determine how to invest donor contributions. 

Who oversees United Way of the Quad Cities?
United Way is a volunteer-led organization. We are governed by a local Board of Directors who represent diverse industries and professions. To help further our work, the Education Council, Financial Stability Council and Health Councils are made up of talented volunteers with the expertise to get things done. 

What does it mean to designate my donation?
You may designate your donation to any United Way initiative or to any 501(c)(3) or 170 organization. We encourage donors to make gifts that matter to them, and some choose to designate their donations. 100% of a collected designated contribution is given to the organization or program selected.

How do I find out more?
Our operations are fully transparent. If you have a question about how United Way operates, just ask any representative from our organization.