United Way of Oconee County

Description

The United Way of Oconee County was formed in 1966 as the United Fund of Oconee County. County leaders of community drives in Oconee County decided to merge their agencies to mobilize and stimulate the citizens of the county in behalf of worthy educational, health, and welfare organizations to solicit and receive contributions for participating agencies; to allocate and distribute funds raised to approved agencies, to promote efficiency by providing a means through which annual contributions can be made in one gift, and by reducing the expense of raising funds through a cooperative appeal. It also promotes cooperation, not only among member agencies, but all such organizations of Oconee County. The present name was adopted in 1975.

The United Way organization is made up primarily of volunteers who work to support a broad range of agencies and human services in the local community. They plan for future community needs and allocate the money raised through a systematic review process conducted by volunteers.

Agencies and services which request funding from United Way must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization providing a needed community service. The decision to support these agencies and services is made by volunteers who review budgets, services, delivery costs, and other factors.

This process of a citizen review allows volunteers to help solve community problems and meet community needs. Citizen review makes United Way more than a group of charities. It ensures accountability and it helps to ensure that the many programs and not-for-profit human service agencies get a chance to receive the community's support.