United Way of Acadiana is part of a worldwide effort to solve problems at the community level. We've been successfully addressing issues head on and delivering results in Acadiana for more than 50 years. We directly impact the lives of more than 122,000 people a year.

But no matter how hard you try, sometimes misunderstandings can occur. We're glad you came here to check the facts:

Does United Way of Acadiana fund abortion?
No. United Way of Acadiana does not fund abortion in any way.

Who runs the United Way of Acadiana?
Volunteers--people from Acadiana who volunteer their time to identify needs, raise money to meet these needs, and distribute money to a number of agencies to address these needs. A small staff runs the day-to-day operations. The all-volunteer board of directors reviews all expenses and makes final funding decisions.

Can I choose to give my money to a specific agency?
Yes, you can designate your gift to one of our partner agencies.

Additionally, you can designated your gift to the group of agencies that focuses on a cause that's most important to you -- Responding to Crisis, Creating Bright Futures for Children, Fostering Independence, Improving Health & Wellness and Strengthening Families.

What really happens to my designated money?
Your designated donation goes exactly where you asked us to put it.

What is the COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND?
There's no way to make a greater impact with a single donation than through United Way of Acadiana's Community IMPACT Fund. Not only does it help every United Way program and agency, it supports the United Way Volunteer Center, Venture Grants, the Corporate Volunteer Council, Youth United, emergency funding, the Unmet Needs Committee and more.

What's United Way of Acadiana's overhead costs?
United Way of Acadiana spends only about 15 percent of the annual total raised on administrative costs.

How does that compare?

The Better Business Bureau reports all fundraising organizations should spread less than 50 percent of the total raised on fundraising and administration. The average overhead in the United States for nonprofits is 40 percent of the total raised.

What if someone I know did not receive help from a United Way agency?
The United Way of Acadiana wants to know the name of the individual agency in question so its volunteers can research the situation, determine the facts, and respond to the individual and the agency. Call us at (337) 233-8302.

What if I have felt pressure to give United Way?
If you feel you were forced to give, please contact the United Way of Acadiana at (337) 233-8302. We have a concrete policy against coercion. No one should make you give your time or money. Giving should come from the heart, willingly.

I don’t like _____________ about the United Way (or any agency). Here are a few options:

1. Voice your opinion by calling our office at (337) 233-8302.

2. E-mail your opinion by clicking "e-mail" at the top right-hand corner of this screen.

3. Fill out our feedback form.

And to really give HOPE:
4. Volunteer to serve on the United Way committee that governs your concern.

Please do all that you can to make a positive difference in our community.