United Way

Through the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline, we connect people seeking assistance with free, confidential help 24/7 by referring callers to the most pertinent health and human service providers. People in need no longer have to navigate a complicated web of resources on their own–by simply dialing 2-1-1, they will reach a call specialist who will listen to their individual issues and connect them with the appropriate help. In the 2018 fiscal year, the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline answered more than 112,000 calls from people seeking help.

Additionally, a key part of UWCM’s strategy for creating long-term solutions to deep-rooted problems is understanding that our region’s issues are part of a continuum. We cannot fix the problems of a community by focusing on just one issue. United Way’s work starts with people living in poverty and addresses the range of issues that can result, such as a lack of housing, health care, healthy food, quality child care, education, and stable employment.

Dollars contributed through United Way are distributed where they do the most good for the entire community. Partner agencies provide services aimed at helping everyone in need. Perhaps you, a member of your family, one of your neighbors or co-workers has benefited from services supported by United Way. United Way of Central Maryland’s safety net is there to help catch those in need, to get people out of crisis (through emergency shelters, food, and access to healthcare), keep them out of crisis (through gainful employment, temporary housing, child care vouchers, and other means) and help them achieve a better quality of life (through access to permanent housing, asset building, and other measures).

Data is a critical component of tracking our success. Through reports from funded agencies, research and data analysis, as well as partnering with nonprofit colleagues, UWCM is committed to making sure we measure the performance of our funded partners and our own organization. All programs that UWCM funds are held accountable for efficient spending and measurable outcomes. On an annual basis, UWCM reports results from all of the programs we fund through an impact statement.

In addition, the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline is an excellent barometer of need. It helps us refocus our efforts based on growing needs and understand where differences need to be made. Our expert volunteers also help us gauge and track our work and success.

United Way engages businesses, government, and people like you to identify the most serious health and human service problems in our community and determine the best ways to make a meaningful impact on these problems. You support a much broader group of programs and services through United Way than by giving to an agency directly. Volunteers work to minimize duplication among programs and look for measurable results, quality performance, and innovative approaches.

United Way in 2009 lowered the fee structure for designations to a flat rate of 5%, with a minimum of $5 and a cap of $500. There is no fee to designate to United Way, our Impact Areas, or the 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way information and referral service, although your gift is subject to overhead costs.

United Way fulfills an important role in the community. More than 1,600 nonprofits rely on funding from United Way. United Way of Central Maryland absorbs costs on the agencies’ behalf and facilitates more than 2 million accounting transactions each year.

Should you stop working, your payroll deduction pledge stops. Your pledge through United Way is made in good faith based upon your employment. When you start a new job, ask to sign up for a payroll deduction again or you can donate by using direct debit/EFT. Contact United Way of Central Maryland for further details.