• United Way is dedicated to impacting our community through real and lasting improvements.
• United Way is accountable and credible because it operates efficiently and with transparency while keeping overhead costs at, or below, 15%.
• United Way demonstrates strong leadership through staff management and the volunteer efforts of our local business leaders.
• United Way holds organizations to the highest standards of accountability and funds organizations that can deliver measurable results.

Overhead costs cover fundraising and administrative costs necessary to solicit and raise funds. This includes costs for campaigning, processing and collection of pledges.

• Training for non profit organizations on board development, recruitment, strategic planning, financial issues, evaluation and outcome measurement (including software).
• Measurable outcomes both at a program and community level.  Fact based outcomes reflecting what difference your investments are making.
• Partnerships with public, private and non profit sectors to leverage resources, talents and positive outcomes.
• Coordination of county-wide programs.
• Advocacy for health and human care in Orange County.
• Leveraging of human care research, expertise, systems and dollars to provide the greatest community impact in Orange County.

When giving to United Way are we paying for multiple overhead costs, United Way and the agencies they fund?

Although both United Way and the agencies we fund may have overhead costs, United Way funds specific programs within agencies that must show measurable outcomes, community impact, efficiencies in operations and sustainable revenue.   United Way focuses on program effectiveness, which includes the Return on Investment for any allocation we make with community dollars. 

Last year, Orange County United Way supported programs and collaboratives that touched more than 100,000 households in need of basic services including food, shelter, medical care and emergency services.  United Way partners with health providers, higher education, state and local government and others who share our goal of improving lives to make the greatest impact in our community.  By connecting resources, and uniting voices, we are able to leverage our strengths as a community to provide a safety net of care to meet people’s basic needs today and build a better tomorrow.

Federal, state and local governments have made extreme cuts in funding to non-profit agencies. Many agencies have faced reductions or elimination of much needed funds. Now, more than ever, it is up to caring, forward-thinking people to maintain the services that support the health and well being of Orange County residents.

Your gift to United Way will help to insure a healthy community for Orange County.  The leadership of your United Way is accountable for efficiently funding organizations that provide measurable results while keeping overhead at, or below, 15%. An investment in United Way is an investment in what matters most…the lives we change and the communities we shape.

United Way has a written policy against coercion. Donations should be given willingly and voluntarily. We are confident that when people see where their money is invested, they will want to contribute. If you feel pressured to give, please inform Orange County United Way at 949-660-7600.

Some do and some don’t. Agencies are not 100% funded by Orange County United Way, so some find it necessary to charge fees to cover some costs. People are charged according to their ability to pay.

Giving is a personal decision based on individual circumstances. As a guide, many salaried employees contribute from 1.5 to 3% of their annual salary. Hourly employees find that investing two hours pay per month is a simple yet effective way to help those in need.

There are several ways to contribute.  

• Payroll Deduction
• Checks or Cash
• Credit/Debit Card Gifts
• Gifts of Stocks and Securities
• Donor Advised Funds (minimum gift $10,000)
• Direct Billing
• Pledge Online
• Volunteer

No gift is too small, every contribution counts.