As United Way launches its annual community campaign, the media is focused on spending in the charitable sector. These are important questions which should always be asked and addressed. However, the CBC us referring to less than 1% of the charities they have scanned. A sensational picture is emerging by not an accurate reflection of this very frugal and strained sector.
In our shop, administrative costs are 18% which does include fundraising expenses such as staff, rent, and promotional materials.
United Way of Halifax Region relied volunteers across the community to power its fundraising efforts. Our campaign leadership, including individuals approaching companies to host campaigns, the campaign organizers within workplaces, and the canvassers are all volunteers - approximately 5000 in HRM alone. The same approach is taken in every United Way community across Canada.
In addition, organizations loan us their talented staff during campaign season to augment our small staff team. Today, there are ten individuals actively working within our office while being paid be generous employers such as the federal, provincial and municipal governments as well as Scotiabank, Dalhousie, Saint Mary's University, Manulife Financial, and Capital Health.
Three teams of volunteers are also giving their time to review the 57 non-profit organizations that apply to this United Way for funding. These volunteers look at program outcomes, governance, and financial stewardship to ensure every donation is a wide investment. As a matter of practice, not one of these 57 community-based agencies have fundraising expenses that are close to what is being reported in the news today.
Finally, United Way does not hire any external fundraisers or companies for phone solicitation or any other purpose.
These are challenging times for us all. Successful fundraising that is responsible and accountable is worthy of your support.
