Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is the United Way of Ellis County?
A. The United Way of Ellis County is a community solutions provider. It conducts one annual fund-raising campaign to support over 20 programs.

Q. Who are the program providers?
A. First Call for Help, Kansas Legal Services, Western Kansas Association on Concerns of the Disabled (WKACD), American Red Cross, Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Inc, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Girl Scouts of KS Heartland-Sunflower Region, Hays Area Children’s Center, Cancer Council of Ellis County, United Cerebral Palsy of KS, Catholic Charities, Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Parents & Children Together (PACT) and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Q. What kind of services are provided?
A. The program services are broken up into five categories: community and neighborhood services, emergency services, children and youth services, health and rehabilitation services and family and individual services.

Q. Who runs the United Way of Ellis County?
A. A Board of Directors governs the United Way of Ellis County. Any individual knowledgeable about our community and its quality of life who is a donor to the annual campaign may be elected to the Board of Directors.

Q. What does the United Way Board of Directors do?
A. The Board of Directors determines what agencies are included in the annual fund-raising campaign and the amount of funding allocated to each agency. The Board of Directors also provides for an annual, opinionated audit of United Way funds and makes an annual report of its activities to the local community.

Q. How does the United Way of Ellis County determine how much money is allocated to each program?
A. Every United Way program provider is required to submit an annual funding request. The CARE Council, a partnership between the City of Hays, Ellis County and the United Way of Ellis County, reviews the applications, makes site visits and conducts interviews as needed. The CARE Council presents a recommendation to the Board of Directors of the United Way of Ellis County, which makes the allocation awards based on the capacity of the United Way to meet its campaign goal.

Q. What is a United Way Community Response Grant?
A. A Community Response Grants are grants that can be requested by nonprofit organizations for special projects, emergency needs or computer equipment.

Q. How much of the funds raised by the United Way of Ellis County is paid to the United Way of America?
A. The United Way of Ellis County sends 1 percent of the funds raised to United Way of America. Our membership in UWA allows the United Way of Ellis County to use the trademark logo, receive training and technical assistance, and benefit from the partnership with the National Football League.

Q. How many United Ways are there across the United States?
A. There are approximately 1,400 United Way organizations nationwide. Each United Way is separate and independent.

Q. How can my company and I get involved with the United Way of Ellis County?
A. Call the United Way of Ellis County’s office at (785) 628-8281.