Who is United Way of Greater St. Louis?
Helping people live their best possible lives, it takes all of us. Individuals, companies, unions, and foundations, each striving to make the greater St. Louis community a better place to live. Our founders, a small group of volunteers in 1922, had a vision, a powerful idea, and desire to help those in need. By banding together, working as one, to give collectively, they could help all.
Our mission remains the same today. We unite people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities where everyone can thrive. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping more than 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest volunteer center in the region, and connecting those in need to providers of services who can help through our 2-1-1 helpline. This is more than a campaign; United Way is a cause. Join us in our second century as we lift and strengthen people, families, and neighborhoods across Missouri and Illinois.
What does United Way of Greater St. Louis do?
Your gift and support of United Way has an incredible impact for our communities, friends, family, and neighbors. Our annual community campaign is the infrastructure to ensure we are there for those who need help now, and those who may need it in the future. United Way focuses on addressing St. Louis’ regional needs that align with food, shelter, transportation, and longer-term support of job training, youth programming, education, and counseling. Your support also helps us partner with agencies on the Community Information Exchange, restore families to self-sufficiency through United for Families and so much more. A better tomorrow starts today. Together, we can make our region healthier, resilient, and a more caring place for all of us. Make a gift today or learn more at helpingpeople.org.
How does my gift help the St. Louis region?
Through United Way’s network of quality nonprofits, programs, and services, one gift supports the many needs of our region. Your gift will not only help feed a hungry family, but it will support wraparound services that are critical to keep them moving forward, like a stable home, job training, and transportation, among many others.
- Basic Needs: For many, basic needs aren’t so basic. We strive to ensure that people have the critical items and services to move from crisis to stability.
- Early Childhood & Youth Success: The youth of our region deserve a chance to be kids, learn in a safe space, and have the tools needed to move into adulthood.
- Jobs and Financial Mobility: The best way to move an individual or family to self-sufficiency is to help them increase income, build savings, and grow assets. This creates stability that is crucial for future success.
- Health & Wellness: An unexpected health crisis or chronic illness can have severe impact on an individual or family. We fund crisis supports, access to health education, rehabilitation services, resources for a health lifestyle, and more so people can get the care they need.
- Community Stability & Crisis Response: Emergencies and disasters can come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it impacts an entire family, neighborhood, or region, we’re there for both the everyday and unexpected needs of our community.
Who does United Way support?
United Way partners with nonprofits that create equitable conditions and opportunities across the region. It funds more than 160 nonprofits to sustain a strong safety net and make sure local people’s needs can be met. As partner nonprofits, these agencies deliver programs and services so all people across the region can succeed and thrive.
How can I get involved in my community?
There are many ways to make a difference. Lend your time and make your voice even louder. With thousands of volunteer opportunities every year, you’ll be sure to find a project that inspires you to help others. You can also learn how to join a board and get specific leadership volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit stlvolunteer.org.
What happens when I give to United Way?
When you give to United Way, your donation is amplified by other generous donors in the region. You can make an annual gift through your donor advised fund, workplace giving campaign, or appreciated securities. Business owners can purchase tax credits, and if you are 73 ½ years old – you can donate your annual required minimum distribution from your IRA. You can name United Way as a beneficiary of a bequest and can even leave the remainder of your donor advised fund to it when you are finished using it. It can also help you with charitable gift annuities and trusts. United Way helps support donors in every age and stage of their life and legacy.
What is a Leadership Giver and how can I become one?
Leadership Givers make a difference every day throughout the region. A donation of $1K or more unlocks membership into one or more of United Way’s Leadership Giving Societies. Join more than 7,000 United Way Leadership Giving members and commit to helping people live their best possible lives.
Are United Way donations tax-deductible?
The United Way of Greater St. Louis is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Donations to United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances.
Those contributing $50 or more by check to United Way will receive an acknowledgment from United Way. A copy of the cancelled check and the acknowledgement together act as evidence of a donation for purpose of a tax return.
Those contributing through payroll deduction should keep a copy of their signed pledge card and maintain their last pay stub of the tax year or Form W-2 from their employer summarizing the amount withheld for United Way during their tax year.
In the event goods/services of more than a nominal value are received in exchange for a gift (such as buying an auction item), only the donation more than the value of the good or service is tax deductible.
Please consult your tax professional to determine the extent to which their donations are tax-deductible in their own circumstances.
Will my pledge be matched dollar for dollar?
Yes, all full-time employee pledges submitted through the ePledge System will be matched dollar for dollar by Bayer. Pledges received from retirees and alumni will also be matched. Contributions from contractors are not included in dollar-for-dollar matching at this time.
What is the process for getting my contributions toward the United Way campaign matched?
Bayer Fund matches full-time employee contributions dollar for dollar. As an employee, all you need to do is make your pledge or make your special event contribution. You do not need to submit anything as an individual to have your contributions matched.
As a contractor, am I able to submit a pledge to support our annual United Way campaign?
Of course! All contributions are greatly appreciated. Contractors can submit a pledge by going to our campaign website and clicking on the “Contractors” option from the menu, downloading a pledge card, or emailing ashley.mccarthy@stl.unitedway.org with your name, mailing address and phone number, and a pledge card will be sent to you. Please submit your pledge card with a check or via Mastercard or Visa. No cash or payroll deductions are accepted at this time. Contractors are also eligible to be entered into our Early Giver drawings.
Where can I edit and review ePledge information?
To review your pledge information, visit the Pledge page on our United Way website. Select “Sure, I’ll give.” From there, you should see a “Review” screen that will allow you to review and edit your pledge.
Where can I send my one-time check?
Please use the “Participate” button located on the Bayer campaign website or in the weekly eBlast to access the pledge site. When you select “check” as your payment option, you will receive instructions on how to send in your one-time check to United Way.
