Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I give every year when the United Way has never directly helped me or my family?

Even if you and your family haven't used services directly, chances are your neighbors or friends have benefited from one of the member agencies. It's a good feeling to know that early child education and care, elderly services and parenting skills training will be available if you need them, and it's a great way to give something back to the community you care about! A strong, vibrant community benefits everyone and is the best formula for a future where success becomes the norm in all factors affecting daily life.

Where do my dollars go?

When you donate to the United Way of Bennington County, your dollar stays right here in our local communities helping local people. You help your neighbor, co-worker, friend, family member and maybe even yourself.

Our local United Way is an efficient organization for two reasons: a hands-on board of directors ensures that the operating costs of fundraising and administration are kept low, and throughout the year many volunteers share their time and expertise to make our community the best that it can be.

Is it true that only people who live in the town of Bennington benefit from the United Way's campaign? That would mean that neighbors who live in Dorset, Arlington, Manchester, etc. are not helped.

United Way funds services that reach out to people in all of Bennington County. While many United Way member agencies have offices in Bennington proper, their programs serve the entire county, and many do, in fact, have additional sites elsewhere in the county to better serve the needs of a rural community such as ours.

Is the United Way of Bennington County controlled by the United Way of America?

No! The United Way of Bennington County is a totally independent organization controlled by a local board of directors and works with an allocations committee comprised of local volunteers who review local agency requests for program service funds. The United Way of America is a national organization that serves 1400 independent affiliates by providing them with marketing, leadership development and skills training and materials so they can identify the latest trends and create the most impact when and where it's needed most.

Why should I give to United Way instead of directly to an agency?

United Way makes giving simple and efficient. It costs money to raise money, but it costs less per dollar when you fundraise on a large scale through one campaign.

How did United Way get started here in Bennington County?

United Way of Bennington County was born out of the philanthropic generosity of Southwestern Vermont Health Care and the supportive environment provided by local businesses in 1981. Since its inception, United Way of Bennington County has partnered with SVMC and local businesses to increase the level of caring within our communities and to have a positive impact on individual lives.