Frequently Asked Questions
UNITED WAY FAQ
See Frequently Asked Questions below. Don’t see the answer you need? Give us a call: 605-692-4979.
United Way is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency that brings people together to help our community reach its full potential. We partner with local nonprofits, businesses, government and social service agencies to address our community’s most pressing needs.
Our mission is uniting people, sharing resources, inspiring hope and enriching lives for a stronger Brookings County.
Our work provides the building blocks for a good life through efforts in three areas: health, education, and financial stability. Our goals address poverty’s root causes on multiple fronts, and we measure our impact and success each year.
There are over 1,400 community-based United Ways across the county, and each is separately incorporated and independently governed by local volunteers. Many of these organizations are similar in their mission and structure, but some are very different.
We pay a voluntary membership contribution for the rights to use the name and logo and support broader community impact goals through United Way Worldwide, an umbrella organization that attacks the same problems on a national and global level and provides guidance, training, and development services to local United Ways. These dues are less than 2% of the dollars raised. A percentage of the dues is also returned to Brookings Area United Way in the form of flex credits that can be used for trainings and conferences.
Contributions raised stay here and decisions about which programs to invest in and which partnerships to pursue are made here in our local county.
Brookings Area United Way was formed in 1955 and celebrated 65 years in 2020. Find out more history.
Making a gift to United Way is the most effective way to help our whole community. Our unique ability to work across complex issues with hundreds of community partners is unmatched.
We mobilize volunteers and convene partner agencies, corporations, community leaders and policymakers to make broad, systemic changes like no other organization can on its own.
Our programs help people in crisis get back on their feet, help prevent future problems and build a stronger community for all of us.
In 2022, the former Volunteer Connections, through the Helpline Center, transitioned to Volunteer United with the Brookings Area United Way. Volunteer United is the connection between critical nonprofits and generous community members. Volunteer United provides information and resources to nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to better serve Brookings County.
Learnmore about Volunteer United.
Helpline Center’s 2-1-1 can connect you to over 3,000 community resources – from job training programs and childcare to counseling services and financial assistance. Staffed by trained professionals, this free, confidential help line is available 24/7.
From simple answers to serious help, just dial or text 211 from anywhere in South Dakota. You can also call 866-605-4723. The service is also available online at www.helplinecenter.org.
DONATION QUESTIONS
You’ve heard the saying, “Every dollar counts!” That saying couldn’t be truer! Your donation is joined by many others that can make a big impact on Brookings County. No matter the size of donation, every dollar that goes to Brookings Area United Way helps individuals within Brookings County receive access to basic needs and services. We are grateful for each of our individual donors that help enrich the lives of those in the community and produce positive outcomes
By donating to BAUW, your dollar goes even further. Because we are partnered with dozens of local agencies, each dollar you donate invests in a variety of programs and services that assist families and individuals in need. Also, our staff and volunteers work extremely hard to fundraise and distribute funds to programs and people in need throughout Brookings County. These fundraising efforts and donations may not be able to be reached by each funded partner alone, making our mission even more important! We do not simply just raise money for all and “decide where it goes.” We take the time to identify issues in our community, come up with creative solutions, and take action through funding, volunteers, and advocacy to solve problems. Our impact of fundraising and attracting volunteers is felt throughout the community and we are proud to collaborate with each of our funded partners to make Brookings County even stronger.
Actually, they really do! 98% of donations stay local, helping our funded partners offer programming to help the various needs of the county. The extra 2% of our funds go directly to United Way Worldwide in order to promote and keep our brand name, as well as gain access to a multitude of resources that can help our Funded Partners in the community. What’s exciting is that your local donations help a variety of programs like Delta Dental Mobile Program, SingleCare Pharmacy Savings Card, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and Born Learning Trails! By keeping our donations and funds local, Brookings Area United Way helps unite people, share resources, and enrich lives for a stronger Brookings County.
Collaboration only makes the community and therefore businesses stronger! By investing in Brookings County, you are investing in the resources of your friends, your neighbors, and your customers. Feel good and confident that your donation is making a difference. Your money goes further with Brookings Area United Way because we collaborate with agencies to impact different areas of the community. Giving to Brookings Area United Way is more than just donating money, it’s investing in the success and wellbeing of your neighbors and your community.
CONTACT US
ADDRESS
908 Hope Drive
Brookings, SD 57006Mail to: P.O. Box 750, Brookings
PHONE
(605) 692-4979
EMAIL
uw@brookingsunitedway.org
EIN: 23-7151498
FOLLOW US
Learn how to make an impact in your community! Join our mailing list to get quarterly updates and special event notices of how United Way is working to fight for a brighter tomorrow for Brookings County.
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