2024 Sentara United Way Campaign FAQs

What is the Sentara Matching Gifts Program? New last year, the Sentara Matching Gift Program will be integrated into our United Way Campaign. All gifts from $25 to $1500 given through the United Way campaign will be matched $1 for $1. Any contribution to a 501(c)(3) registered charity is eligible to receive this match. This DOUBLES the impact of each donation within this range.

Will my gift be included in my divisional Sentara United Way goal? Yes, your gift (base contribution) will be credited to the division where your cost center/entity resides. Matching gifts will not be credited toward the divisional campaign goal.

What if I’ve already met my Matching Gift maximum for 2024? Each year, your matching gift criteria renews. For example, the gifts given during this United Way Campaign will be effective in January 2025, so if you opt-in while giving your gift during this campaign, your match qualifies for 2024.

Will the new Sentara Match Program be included in my leadership/affinity giving level? Yes, for example, if you pledge a $500 gift and opt-in for a Sentara Matching Gift, the total $1,000 will be eligible for the leaders/affinity group level should you decide to join.

Is my gift tax deductible? Yes, your gift (base contribution) is tax deductible. However, if you choose to opt into the matching gift program, the match funds supplied by Sentara is not tax deductible.

What is United Way? United Way is a nonprofit that partners with businesses, donors, local nonprofits and social service agencies to address our community’s most pressing needs.

Why is there a United Way? For nearly 100 years, United Way has served as the community collaborator and “funds raiser” to meet the needs of those in crisis and create solutions to the most complex issues we face.

Why let United Way invest my donation? By allowing United Way to invest your donation, you are ensuring that your gifts, combined with those of others, are going to address the most critical needs in the community.

How much should I give? Only you can decide how much to give. United Way offers several giving and recognition opportunities. Many people elect to give one to two percent of their annual salary. Payroll deduction makes giving easier.

I don’t use any of the agencies’ programs, so why should I give through United Way? While you may not have needed the services of many of our local agency partners, chances are that you have a neighbor, colleague or friend that has.

How do agencies receive their designations? Designations to agencies are provided separately from any Community Impact funds distributed for agency programs. Designations are sent throughout the year after the campaign is closed and designation reports are completed.

Why should I give through United Way instead of directly to my preferred agency? By running the annual workplace campaign, United Way is supporting our local nonprofit network, reaching more people and raising more money than a single agency could afford to on its own. And our support goes beyond financial. By partnering with United Way, local agencies gain access to healthcare options for their employees, investment asset management services and reduced rates, data, best practices, training and more.

How has the United Way responded to COVID in my community? Many United Ways developed a comprehensive plan for a coordinated response and established a Coronavirus Recovery Fund. This special fund is administered with an emphasis on under-resourced populations and those who will be disproportionately affected, including:

• Workers who are paid hourly and/or do not have medical benefits and/or paid leave
• Low-income families with children who go to schools that have been closed and have nowhere else to get their meals
• Workers whose employment or income is significantly jeopardized by industries who may experience the economic slowdown
• Homebound seniors who count on nonprofit services for health and wellbeing

This is why now is a particularly important time to support the United Way, as the need for a community chest continues to grow.

Why should I give to the United Way? Many of us have a favorite charity that we volunteer or support financially, and most have a singular mission. The mission of United Way is not about a single issue but about whole families and communities. Complex problems require solutions that frequently involve multiple partners providing program support to create lasting change. When you give through United Way, you are supporting comprehensive solutions.

If I stop working, what happens to my pledge? Your payroll deduction pledge stops, too. 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 payroll deduction again or call United Way for further details. If you are retiring, please contact United Way to continue your contributions and/or volunteer your time.

Can I determine how my gift is used? You can donate to any registered 501(c)(3) you wish to support. If you don’t see your agency listed, you can add them through the giving portal.

Are there any fees assessed for my gift? Yes, a fee of 6.62% is assessed for each gift/pledge. These fees are for the use of the giving portal site and professional services. The national average of nonprofit fees is between 7-14%. There are no fees added for the Sentara Matching Gift Program. 100% of your matching gift will go to the registered 501(c)(3) that you choose.

Where can I find the payroll contribution on my W2 or pay stub? The United Way contribution will be on the last paystub of the year under POST TAX DEDUCTIONS with the total under YEAR TO DATE.