Frequently Asked questions

What is United Way Capital Area?

Does United Way Capital Area still raise funds for nonprofit agencies?

Who decides which nonprofit agencies receive United Way funding?

What organizations can apply for United Way funding?

What is United Way Capital Area's service area?

How many people are helped by United Way Capital Area services?

I'd like to volunteer. What do I need to do?

My organization needs volunteers. What do we need to do?

I need help. Who can I call?

What is United Way Capital Area?
United Way Capital Area is focused on closing the opportunity gap that exists in Central Texas between those who have the chance to get ahead and those who don't. We are local, independent, volunteer-driven, and we represent smart, socially conscious citizens who want to make an impact in our community. We are addressing the underlying causes of many of our community's most pressing issues, and have focused our efforts on three areas the community has identified as critical to future success:

1. Creating opportunities for children and youth to succeed in school
2. Giving families the knowledge and tools to become financially stable
3. Fostering community health and well-being

Does United Way Capital Area still raise funds for nonprofit agencies?
Yes. Though our focus is on this new approach — which we call the Community Impact Model — we will always remain committed to raising money for and distributing money to the many wonderful nonprofits in Central Texas and across the world.

Who decides which nonprofit agencies receive United Way funding?
Volunteers decide. More than 80 volunteers from all walks of life identify agencies with proven methods that best match our community's needs. Volunteers spend a cumulative 8,000 hours studying the needs of the community and reviewing the performance of various nonprofit service organizations. They review funding proposals, conduct site visits and make funding recommendations to United Way Capital Area's volunteer Board of Directors. The formal allocations process occurs every other year.

What organizations can apply for United Way funding?
Any local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit health or human service organization can apply for United Way funding. United Way funded agencies are selected for their ability to produce measurable results and to address our community's top issues. In order to apply, organizations must serve clients within United Way's ten-county area, have a volunteer board of directors, have a recent audit, have been in operation for a minimum of two years, and have an operating budget of at least $50,000. Request for Proposals for the next funding cycle will be released September 5, 2007.

What is United Way Capital Area's service area?
United Way Capital Area serves Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson counties.

How many people are helped by United Way Capital Area services?
More than 500,000 people in our community are helped each year by United Way services.

I'd like to volunteer. What do I need to do?
Hands On Central Texas — a project of United Way Volunteer Center, a service of United Way Capital Area — can help you or your group find volunteer opportunities that match your interests, skills, and schedule. Contact Hands On Central Texas via email at handson@unitedwaycapitalarea.org or by dialing 2-1-1.

My organization needs volunteers. What do we need to do?
Hands On Central Texas — a project of United Way Volunteer Center, a service of United Way Capital Area — can help you find volunteers for your organization. Contact Hands On Central Texas via email at handson@unitedwaycapitalarea.org or you may post your volunteer opportunities directly.

I need help. Who can I call?
Dial 2-1-1 or access the 2-1-1 online database directly. This free, 24-hour-a-day, anonymous information-and-referral service is your link to the thousands of social programs and community services available throughout Texas. Phones are answered by trained knowledgeable bilingual information and referral specialists who listen, assess what service(s) the caller needs, then provide information and referrals regarding the most appropriate place(s) in the community to get help.