Fundraising At Work

My company has a long-standing partnership with United Way, and I’ve been designated as an ambassador this year as we attempt to surpass our donation goal. I was asked if I would be an ambassador this year, and I said yes in order to broaden my horizons and try to help those in need.

I’m a bit conflicted, however, because I will not be personally donating to United Way this year (or any other year unless something changes). My issue is not with United Way. They provide a fantastic service, have an overhead rate of <15%, and have helped millions of people in need. The have a regional office in my city to handle local issues and concerns, and from what I have seen they consistently strive to make the best decisions for my community and those in it.

My personal choice, however, it to give primarily to my church. I understand that non-profits of all types, including para-church organizations, provide a wide variety of benefits and services that are desperately needed. My church (probably) even supports such organizations. I trust the leadership of my Church, however, and I believe that giving to the church is my primary responsibly at this time when it comes to “giving”. Others may be led to give to non-church organizations, and I don’t have an issue with that. I choose to do what I have been led to do though, and I am led to support our church and the Great Commission. I’m also confident in our board of directors’ (for our church) ability to make the decisions on how to spend the funds my fellow church members and I give.

So my dilemma is that I’m going to give as the Lord leads me, and I’m also going to help my company and those in it give to a variety of charitable organizations as well. My company even matches the employee donations dollar for dollar, which is a great deal for the receiving charities. As I’m making the rounds with my co-workers and am encouraging them to donate, if they ask me if I’m donating it’s going to get complicated. Lying is clearly out, so I suppose honesty is the best policy. Perhaps God will open up a door for me to share my beliefs.

I did learn a couple of interesting things today though in the orientation:

• the United Way supports the local Red Cross, which typically has a representative that is the first person on the seen of a fire after the fire fighters. In contrast to most commercials your insurance guy will not be there to help you and your family immediately.
• United Way has started a new campaign that will help low income families file their taxes and apply for the earned income tax credit. This credit can be worth up to ~$4700 (as of 2007) depending on the number of kids and the income of a family and frequently goes unclaimed because people don’t know about it. It’s actually been part of the tax law since 1975.
• The United Way uses local volunteers to decided how funds are distributed. I envision a huge deliberation room with a bunch of shouting, but it’s probably a bit more civilized. I think it’s interesting that United Way employees don’t make the decisions of how the donations are distributed.

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• Don’t Pick Investments Based On Taxes

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