A single gift investment to the Foundation multiplies the economic benefit of one’s annual contribution many times over, ensuring continued good works and coordination of current and new human service programs for future generations. Below is some useful information to assist you in making your gifting decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the UWMF? In 1979 United Way received a gift of $750,000 from the estate of Peter Kiewit, of which the earnings represent his personal gift to the annual campaign in perpetuity, and has accounted for over $2.5 million dollars. In 1989 the United Way of the Midlands Endowment Society was created to celebrate individuals, families, and others who made similar everlasting contributions through wills, trusts, life insurance, and general estate plans. One such gift, $1.3 million from Dorothy Becker in 1998, was one of the largest single gifts to any local United Way up to that time. In 2003 the United Way Board of Directors accepted an Endowment Committee recommendation to create a separate 501 (c) 3 Foundation, thereby ensuring the most effective way for individuals and families with a legacy of giving to continue to do so, benefiting future generations of our community.

• What are the Foundation’s goals? Provide the flexibility and future capacity required to allow United Way to continue addressing the changing human care needs in our community. We can best accomplish this by building an endowment that is flexible and proactive in addressing emerging challenges faced by our community, and ensuring every dollar contributed by donors can go directly to assisting children, families, seniors, and others in need.

• Why should I make a Foundation gift? If you wish to make a gift that encompasses the spectrum of improving opportunities for improved education, income, and health for all, the United Way Foundation is your logical choice. It’s the only charitable organization concerned with the community’s overall well-being.
A thoughtful and well-considered gift from the heart is the single most effective means of supporting a vast assortment of health and human service needs that cuts across the fabric of our community. With your support through a charitable gift to the Foundation, you’ll help create a better life for everyone not just for today, but well into the future. Stated another way, your campaign gift is for today; your Foundation gift is for all our tomorrows.

• What is it you’re asking of me? United Way has been your trusted community partner for nearly 90 years, bringing together donors, volunteers and service providers. Just as your annual donation provides a safety net of services for those in need, a single gift to the Foundation provides a safety net, if you will, to United Way of the Midlands. Over 85% of charitable gifts are from individuals and families. Coupled with the giving and generous nature of Nebraskans and Iowans (who rank 2nd and 5th respectively in per capita volunteerism), we’re reaching out to those known to take care of others, who share time and resources, take the long view about improving the place in which they live, and people that seek to be inclusive when addressing socio-economic challenges. The Foundation shares your vision of a healthier, more prosperous future for everyone who calls the Heartland their home.

• What types of gifts are available? Gifts from will bequests to life insurance, trusts, charitable annuities, and property and estate plan transfers can be made. Outright gifts of cash, stock or securities are also welcome. Memorial gifts can be made honoring a loved one or special occasion in someone’s life.

• How do I know my gift would be structured as I intended? We work directly with you and your professional advisors to create your gift specifically as you intend. Charitable gifts, properly structured, provide ways to shift dollars from taxes to charity, protect wealth, and provide for one’s family.

• How would my gift principal be invested and utilized?  Truly, your gift IS an investment, one that provides others with the chance to live, thrive, and succeed. Because no one knows what tomorrow will bring, gifts are overseen and monitored by the Trustee Committee of the Foundation, which distributes assets between several different equity and investment accounts at multiple financial institutions, to offer the very best protection of your gift investment. Financial and other Information is available to you through our annual 990 Report.
Endowment fund distributions are available for continuation of human service programs and when appropriate, to implement new initiatives for emerging needs. Funds are also available to help offset potential downturns in the annual campaign, the loss of donors to retirement or relocation, reduce dependency on grants, and counter the impact to programs from any unexpected expenses.

• What is the current investment position?  Approximately $3 million dollars invested in accordance with donor intentions, with over $6 million in confirmed expectancies.

• Why is United Way involved in “endowment” and “planned giving?”
  It is important to remember that the MISSION of United Way is to increase the organized capacity for people to care for one another. The annual campaign and endowment fund gifts are METHODS of raising resources to fund emerging health and human programs and initiatives to achieve our mission. At times, annual campaign dollars are eroded by mergers, mobility and mortality of donors, downsizing of corporate employees, and any number of other means that influence the economy of our region. An endowment fund generates significant, additional revenue over the long term, above and over the annual campaign contributions, that can be used for vital community services and emerging community needs.

  

If you have a question, or you'd like to work with United Way to make a lasting impact on our community, please call the Foundation office at (402) 522-7903.  The email address is dgarst@uwmidlands.org or write to: 
United Way of the Midlands Foundation
1805 Harney Street
Omaha, NE 68102

NOTE: The information provided is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is always advisable to consult with a qualified estate-planning attorney when drafting your will to ensure your wishes for your family and the United Way of the Midlands Foundation are properly documented.