Spokane County United Way is a local, community-building nonprofit organization that identifies
and responds to the greatest human care needs facing our area’s residents. While Spokane County
United Way is a member of the national family of United Ways, the local organization operates
independently according to the needs that exist right here in Spokane County. 
Every thriving community needs leadership in all areas. Spokane County United Way is a leader
in understanding health and human care needs. Its volunteer oversight and involvement provide
essential input and direction to the improvement of our community.
Community volunteers from a wide range of expertise, work together to compile a comprehensive
assessment of our community’s human care strengths and weaknesses. They research statistical
data, conduct interviews, interpret reports and analyze trends to determine the greatest
needs in our community.
Spokane County United Way is governed by a group of community volunteers who make up our Board
of Directors. These volunteers live and work in Spokane County, and serve together as United
Way’s primary decision makers. Activities such as fundraising, planning and fund distribution
are conducted by committed individuals who donate their time and effort to improving our
community. The professional United Way staff integrates, supports and coordinates the volunteer
activities.
Statistically, one out of every three people in Spokane County directly uses United Way funded
services. However, we all use United Way in the sense that strong, healthy communities are
proven to have happier, more self-reliant individuals as its residents. They’re also proven
to recruit more business and grow more economically.
By working with businesses, United Way is able to provide an easy, cost-effective way for people
to contribute to their community. United Way’s annual fundraising reduces multiple demands for
charitable dollars, provides education on community needs, pools resources and encourages
generous giving.
In 2005, $4.8 million was raised for our community through the United Way campaign, the
Washington State Combined Fund Drive and the Combined Federal Campaign. Most of the money
raised throughout the year comes from individual gifts, and about 25% of the total comes from
corporate contributions.
Yes. All of the programs funded are right here in Spokane County.
Spokane County United Way funded services are based on community-wide assessments and local
needs prioritization. This means donor dollars are always working where they’re needed most.
Spokane County United Way utilizes local volunteers to identify community needs, determine
priorities, and distribute funds where they will do the most good for all of Spokane County.
United Way is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to contribute to the community:
approximately 85¢ of every dollar goes directly to services. If charitable organizations supported
by United Way were to raise money entirely on their own, the fundraising costs would be significantly
higher.
The majority of donors choose to give directly to Spokane County United Way because they believe in
the benefits and efficiencies it offers. Giving to Spokane County United Way guarantees the dollars
will be used where they’re most needed, and will make the biggest impact. However, donors always
have the option of designating all or part of a gift to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
When you designate dollars to an agency of choice, Spokane County United Way incurs separate costs
associated with processing the payments. The ability to designate any portion of your giving to a
particular agency represents a convenience for the donor and a cost savings opportunity for the
agency.
- Effectiveness. By combining dollars and distributing them through the Community Way, donor dollars have the greatest impact in changing lives.
- Economy. Separate campaigning and fundraising costs are eliminated, which provides more money for agency services.
- Efficiency. Donors are approached only once a year and the agencies are able to concentrate their efforts on community services.
Currently there are 35 partner agencies providing 48 direct services to the community.
Spokane County United Way provides a number of ways to get involved. People may choose to make a donation, or
volunteer their time. Volunteers are instrumental in the United Way’s process to identify the pressing human
care needs in our community and determine which services will be funded to help address those needs. Volunteers
also lead United Way initiatives to promote volunteerism, support quality early learning and build financial
assets for lower income residents. Whatever your passion or your profession, joining with United Way is a
way to make lasting changes in our community.
Most agencies offer a sliding fee for service. This allows people who are able to pay the full fee for
services to do so and others to pay according to their means while maintaining their dignity. Most
agencies will not turn someone away if they are unable to pay for service, although some service
providers hold to the philosophy that a service or program has more value to the participant if they
have to pay for it, even if it is only $1.00. Each agency’s own board of directors determines their
fee structures. Full-paying recipients provide needed revenue to the agency so other resources, such
as United Way dollars, are available to those who are unable to pay the entire fee. Fees are never
charged by an agency providing emergency assistance (food, clothing, and shelter); although many
recipients do repay the helping agency once they are back on their feet by donating food, money,
or volunteering.
This is a difficult question to respond to without knowing the specifics. There may be a number of
reasons why the person was unable to get help:
- Maybe the type of needed assistance wasn’t available; or
- The eligibility criteria for assistance were not met. (This is especially true in government
funded program such as the energy assistance program administered by the Spokane Neighborhood
Action Program - a United Way member agency. These types of programs often have very strict guidelines); or,
- The agency didn’t provide that type of service.
For many people, accessing services can be a frustrating experience. This is one of the reasons
why First Call for Help (a United Way funded service) is such a vital resource. Hopefully, with
just one phone call, individuals can be linked with the most appropriate resource and receive
help. Most agencies have a formal complaint process for consumers who were dissatisfied with
their service. Agencies are very concerned about customer satisfaction. Individuals can always
call the agency to find out specifically how to proceed. Consumers who have already contacted
the agency and still feel their concerns have not been addressed can contact a United Way
representative, who will attempt to help facilitate the process.
Spokane Mental Health (a Spokane County United Way member agency) provides confidential
information, referral, and crisis intervention phone service: First Call for Help (509) 838-4428.
Because it is a local community organization you can call Spokane County United Way directly at (509) 838-6581.
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