FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Granite United Way?
Granite United Way is a trusted non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life by bringing together the caring power of communities. A lot of the work we do involves leveraging donor support into strategic investments in our community to help others Learn, Earn and Be Healthy. Granite United Way is different from other non-profits because our focus is on the ‘common good’ and not a singular mission. We are committed to providing local leadership that adapts to the needs of the community.
Granite United Way is the result of twelve New Hampshire United Ways realigning over the years to form the largest United Way in New Hampshire. Our service area covers more than 85% of the state of NH (as well as Windsor County, VT) and with the help of 22,000 donors and volunteers, we deliver nearly $18 million in support to over 400,000 struggling families and individuals.
Granite United Way is more than just a fundraiser, we also have numerous State-wide and regional programs, partnerships, and initiatives that meet the many needs in our communities.
- 211 NH: Connects callers to direct service providers in their community for a number of reasons including, addiction, homelessness, housing, tax, and childcare services.
- Recovery Friendly Workplace: Promotes workplace wellness and provides recovery support to more than 80,000 employees across the state
- Volunteer Income Tax Assitance (VITA): IRS-trained volunteers to help low to moderate-income individuals, families, and those with disabilities file their taxes for free
- Preschool Development: Convenes early education agency partners to address and advocate for early learning and intervention.
- Public Health Networks: Promotes, protects and improves the health and well-being of our communities through the proactive, coordinated, and comprehensive delivery of essential public health services.
- Whole Village Family Resource Center: provides support services such as parent education classes, family events, childcare, and benefits coordination to meet the basic needs of local families.
- Housing Initiatives: Creates affordable housing opportunities, secures supportive services, and advocates for policy changes to end homelessness.
What is the relationship between Granite United Way and United Way Worldwide?
Each United Way is an independent, private, non-profit community resource, governed by a local board of volunteers. At Granite United Way, a volunteer Board of Directors sets the policies and ensures that they are followed. United Way Worldwide exists to serve local United Ways and does not exert control or have any authority over the local United Way management practices.
Worldwide, there are more than 1,400 United Ways helping millions of people from all walks of life. In towns large and small, United Ways have been leading the charge in caring for others for more than 125 years. Apart from our national government, United Way supports the greatest variety of health and human services in the country. In 2018, Forbes Magazine named United Way its #1 All-Star Charitiyfor efficiency and 2019 it was named by Fast Company as #5 in the 'World’s Most Innovative Companies'.
Granite United Way is one of the largest United Ways in the network.
Why give to Granite United Way?
One of the most unique things about Granite United Way is our ability to address complex issues at the local level. Granite United Way is committed to removing barriers and creating opportunities for people to make a positive impact in our community. We work with a broad range of individuals, businesses, and agency partners to identify and create solutions for the most pressing community issues.
We are local. Your donation stays in the community in which you work or live unless otherwise designated.
We are accountable. our Community Impact Committee (CIC) volunteers review programs and budgets before making investment decisions with your unrestricted donations. Programs and initiatives must meet strict guidelines and prove to volunteers exactly how they improve lives.
We are efficient. We rely on hundreds of volunteers to help us raise money in order to keep costs low.
We are effective. Granite United Way is committed to creating lasting change by addressing the underlying causes of our community's problems.
What makes Granite United Way unique?
Granite United Way has the expertise, trust, and scope to bring together stakeholders like local nonprofits, government, businesses, private foundations, and volunteers with the common goal of delivering the most impact. Granite United Way's commitment to transparency and efficiency has been recognized at the national level and of the highest accolade, by both Charity Navigator and GuideStar, organizations that ensure charities are held to standards of excellence.
Can I specify where I want my contribution to go?
As a donor, you have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact with your gift. Whether you chose to give an undesignated gift where local volunteers identify critical community needs and leverage your gift with others to create positive change or if you decide to give a portion of your gift to a specific program you feel passionate about – you’re helping your community!
* Your designated pledge assures that 95% of goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice. Only 5% serves as fee based on actual historical costs in accordance with United Way of America Membership Standards.
How does United Way know where to give the money?
As part of its Strategic Plan, Granite United Way works with hundreds of local volunteers and industry experts who spend countless hours reviewing programs, making site visits, analyzing budgets and determining the success of an initiative or program before making a decision on the grant award through the local investment process. These Community Review Teams ensure that funded initiatives and programs meet strict guidelines and demonstrate positive outcomes.
How can I donate?
Donors choose to give to Granite United Way in a number of different ways. You can give a portion of your paycheck through an employer workplace campaign, make an online donation any time on our website, donate a percentage of your retirement fund to lower your taxable income or make a planned gift by including Granite United Way in your estate plans. To learn more about the different ways you can give to Granite United Way click here.
To make a one-time donation to Granite United Way click here.
How can I volunteer?
There are a number of ways you can volunteer with Granite United Way! You might choose to participate in our Day of Caring where our team pairs you and your friends with local nonprofit agency in need of help completing a wishlist project, you could sign up to participate in your local Community Impact Committee to decide which nonprofits will receive local funds raised, or you could even help your neighbors file their taxes for free as part of our Volunteer Income Tax Assitance (VITA) Program!
These are just a few of the options! For more information on how to volunteer with Granite United Way click here.
Why should I give to Granite United Way when my family and I never use agency services?
Chances are you, a family member, friend, co-worker or neighbor have already used the services of a United Way partner program and not realized it. Programs supported by Granite United Way serve a diverse and large population. United Way is here for everyone.
How can I make a bigger investment in my community outside of giving through my workplace?
For larger gifts, Granite United Way can customize a donation package that meets your specific giving interests and will make the greatest impact in your local community. These packages include follow-up meetings and
data on the actual impact of your gift.
For more information on how to make a tremendous impact in your community email info@graniteuw.org.