Heart of Maine United Way
Frequently Asked Questions.
Have questions? Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions you may have. If you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, just Contact Us!
United Way
What is United Way?
United Way is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) agency that brings people together to help our community reach its full potential. We partner with local nonprofits, businesses, government and social service agencies to address our community’s most pressing needs.
Our mission is uniting caring people to build pathways out of poverty, thereby improving the lives of individuals and the community.
What Does United Way Do?
We serve Hancock, Piscataquis, Penobscot, Somerset, Washington, and Waldo counties, making our footprint the largest of any United Way in Maine. The money we raise here stays here, serving over 30 agencies and sustaining more than 50 programs and initiatives. Together, we’re improving the lives of over 1 in 4 people right here in our communities. United Way agencies strengthen families, provide access to early childhood education, keep seniors active and involved, provide supports for at-risk youth, help people with disabilities, build safer communities, provide basic needs, prevent violence, and more.
What is the Roles of United Way in this Community?
United Way’s role in the community continues to evolve. While United Way has historically been a solely fundraising entity, United Way has expanded to a truly unique position to recruit, convene, and collaborate with the right people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. Few, if any, organizations are able to span private business, nonprofit, government, and school systems the way United Way can to create a network of donors, advocates, and volunteers focused on a specific goal such as ensuring children enter kindergarten ready to learn.
Who Runs Heart of Maine United Way?
Heart of Maine United Way is run by volunteers. The Heart of Maine United Way Board of Directors includes volunteers from all parts of the community who provide the governance of the organization. The Board establishes policy and sets the strategic direction that United Way staff implement and follow.
What Programs are Supported by Heart of Maine United Way?
What is Heart of Maine United Way's overhead rate?
Our current overhead rate (both administrative and fundraising) is 25%. The Better Business Bureau says it should be 35% for an organization our size. We work hard to keep our overhead as low as possible.
General
How is this United Way connected to the other United Ways?
The Heart of Maine United Way is independent and self-governing. The money you contribute stays here to help residents in our six county region. We are not connected to other United Ways except through “best practices” sharing with United Ways of Maine and United Way Worldwide in Alexandria, Virginia. Our local Board of Directors manages the fundraising and distribution of money raised here and assumes responsibility for the integrity and stewardship of our operations.
Why isn't ______ a partnered Agency?
Many worthwhile agencies that help people may not meet United Way guidelines. Each agency must apply for admission and go through a formal review process by community volunteers. Some agencies may not want the level of review or restrictions in fundraising that are required by United Way. Others may feel they can raise enough funds on their own.
Does United Way support the Boy Scouts?
The Heart of Maine United Way is willing to fund any program run by a 501(c)3 in our six county region that meets our funding criteria and guidelines.
Does United Way support Planned Parenthood?
The Heart of Maine United Way is willing to fund any program run by a 501(c)3 in our six county region that meets our funding criteria and guidelines.
Why do some agencies Charge Fees for Services?
Operating an agency requires more money than United Way and other sources cover. Fees charged by an agency are based on ability to pay. Agencies also help those who cannot pay. That’s why your United Way contribution is so important to so many people.
Donation
Why Should I Give?
Giving to United Way maximizes your charitable investment. Through volunteer hours, services provided, grants and contracts, we are able to match every dollar raised 4 to 1. Each of the agencies that receive our funding is thoroughly evaluated on a consistent reporting schedule to ensure they are delivering on their promises. Your gift is also tax deductible; keep a copy of your pay stub or check as proof of your donation.
How can I Donate?
If you wish to make a financial contribution to the Heart of Maine United Way you can donate via workplace campaign, our website or individual donation mailed to our office. We accept one time and re-occuring gifts. Learn more at Ways to Give.
Why Should I give to United Way instead of directly Contributing to an Agency?
A gift to United Way’s Community Fund is an investment in your community that supports local programs and partnerships that are helping the elderly to stay active, increasing community education resources, assisting people with disabilities to be independent, meeting basic needs of individuals impacted by crisis and providing support to individuals transitioning to self-sufficiency. Community fundraising costs would more than double if every agency had to raise the funds United Way provides. Please support agencies you know, but also consider a “gift” to United Way for the entire community network of services. Every three years, United Way volunteers decide where your money can have the greatest impact on our community. We need to make sure these agencies receive the resources they need to do this important work. Your gift provides direct services to over 50,000 individuals in need here in the Heart of Maine.
Are Contributions to United Way Tax-Deductible?
Heart of Maine United Way is a federally registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation. As such, donations to the United Way are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by an individual’s or corporation’s circumstances. Donors who contribute $100 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 in their workplace 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 that summarizes the amount withheld for the United Way during their tax year. In the event that goods or services of more than a nominal value are received in exchange for a gift (such as buying an auction item), only the donation in excess of the value of the good or service is considered to be tax deductible. Donors are encouraged to consult their own tax professionals to determine the extent to which their donations are tax-deductible in their own circumstances.
Who Decides where my Money goes?
We encourage community members like you to join us in reviewing all funding applications from local agencies and help us decide how to award funds. These volunteers form panels that rate the ability of each agency to impact community needs. The results of these assessments, combined with available funding, are used to determine the dollars each program receives. The United Way Board, which is also made up of local volunteers, is instrumental in guiding strategic decisions governing the investment of staff time and resources. Community involvement ensures the best possible outcome for programming and initiatives based on our most recent Community Mapping report.
How can I be sure my Contributions are well Managed and well Spent?
One area that differentiates United Way is our commitment to accountability and validation of our partner agencies through a rigorous vetting process. Results Based Accountability (RBA) changes the model from funding non-profits that do good work to measuring results of programs and services. Knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers and experts from across our community carefully screen and select the programs funded by your United Way contribution. The recommendations for funding are then reviewed and approved by our volunteer Board of Directors. This citizen review process is United Way’s assurance that contributions are being responsibly managed and monitored. HoMEUW distributes, as part of its annual report, a condensed version of its financials each year and welcomes questions and comments from donors and the general public regarding any aspect of our fund raising, investment process or management.
Will my Money go outside of this Community?
99% of money raised in the Heart of Maine stays in the Heart Maine unless you – the donor – request that it be sent to another United Way or nonprofit in another community. The remaining 1% of our campaign revenue is paid to United Way Worldwide (UWW) in the form of dues which provides us with a wealth of knowledge, training and assistance for operating our local United Way.
Assistance
I'd like to request Funding for my Agency / Project.
Community Investment is Heart of Maine United Way’s competitive grant making process. HoMEUW funds programs that demonstrate positive changes in the lives of individuals in the areas of Education, Income, and Health. Every three years, HoMEUW distributes allocations from the Community Fund to health and human service programs throughout our six county service area; Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington Counties. We also have an Innovation Fund which make smaller, one time grants for special projects.
Learn more at Apply For Funding
How can I get Help for Myself or Someone else?
United Way proudly supports 2-1-1 Maine, a referral service that will connect you to an agency to help you. Call 2-1-1 Maine for information and referral to health and human services in your area. 2-1-1 is free and confidential and operators are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
I want my Business to be Involved with United Way
There are three ways that a business can get involved with United Way.
I feel Pressured to give at Work...
All contributions to United Way are completely voluntary and your personal decision. We do not support any form of pressure on donors to give or requirements regarding how much to give.
COMMUNITY HUB
What is The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub?
The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub is a center for collaboration and learning designed for nonprofits. The Hub will offer affordable office and coworking space, meeting rooms, leadership training, and nonprofit networking, both in person and through high quality virtual experiences.
Why is United Way leading this?
This is a natural extension of our mission. United Way has always connected people, organizations, and resources. The COMMUNITY Hub gives us the infrastructure to do that more efficiently and equitably across the nonprofit sector.
Is The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub just a United Way building?
No. While United Way is anchoring the project and serving as its lead partner, The Hub is intentionally designed as a shared, collaborative resource for nonprofits and community organizations across the region.
United Way’s role is to bring partners together—providing leadership, coordination, and initial investment—but the Hub itself will be co-created with and for the nonprofit sector. Its programs, shared spaces, and community events are being shaped through ongoing input from local organizations, ensuring it reflects the diverse needs and voices of the community it serves.
How will this help my nonprofit?
The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub is designed to make it easier for nonprofits—especially small and rural organizations—to access the tools, training, and support they need to thrive.
The Hub will offer affordable office, meeting, and coworking space. The Hub will also host workshops, leadership and skill development sessions, and collaborative events that connect nonprofits with peers, businesses, funders, and volunteers.
By reducing operational stress and creating space for collaboration, The COMMUNITY helps organizations focus on what matters most—advancing their mission, growing their impact, and serving more people across Maine.
How is The COMMUNITY Hub being paid for?
We understand the concern—many people want to be sure that The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub isn’t taking resources away from the vital programs they already support through United Way.
The Hub is being funded through a separate capital campaign, not United Way’s annual campaign. The Hub was purchased and renovated using grant and individual donor designated funds, not annual campaign funds. This means your ongoing contributions to United Way continue to go directly toward grantmaking and core initiatives like Bundle, 211, and ALICE, just as they always have.
This capital campaign represents a unique investment in Maine’s nonprofit future—building permanent infrastructure that will strengthen organizations, encourage collaboration, and increase impact for years to come. By investing in the Hub, donors are helping to create a sustainable resource that supports the entire nonprofit community, now and into the future.
What’s the fundraising goal—and how close are you?
Our goal is $1.76 million to fully equip the space for long-term success. We’ve already raised over 59% and are now seeking community-wide support to finish strong.
Will this replace United Way’s grantmaking or initiatives like Bundle and 211?
No. Our traditional grantmaking continues—and we remain deeply committed to investing in partner agencies that address urgent community needs. In addition, HoMEUW-led initiatives like Bundle, 211 Maine, the ALICE initiative, and emergency response efforts are not going away.
The Hub actually enhances these programs by strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem they depend on. It helps organizations become more competitive for grants, more connected to one another, and more efficient in delivering services.
What’s in it for corporate partners?
Corporate partners play a vital role in creating a stronger, more connected Maine. Investing in The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub isn’t just philanthropy—it’s a strategic partnership that supports your business goals while strengthening the communities where your employees and customers live and work.
Through partnership, companies gain:
- Access to professional training and development opportunities for employees.
- Enhanced brand visibility and community recognition through sponsorship and shared impact storytelling.
- Meaningful engagement and volunteer opportunities that boost employee morale and retention.
- Alignment with workforce development and corporate social responsibility goals.
A stronger nonprofit sector directly supports a stronger economy, workforce, and community—making this an investment in both your business and Maine’s future.
Why should individual donors support this project?
We know you want your giving to go further, and that’s exactly what The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub makes possible. By supporting this project, your gift doesn’t just help one organization; it helps dozens. Each dollar strengthens the infrastructure nonprofits rely on to serve more people, work more efficiently, and grow sustainably.
This is a lasting investment in Maine’s nonprofit ecosystem: a way to amplify the causes you already care about while ensuring that local organizations have the space, training, and shared resources they need to thrive long into the future.
When you give to The COMMUNITY Hub, you’re multiplying your impact across the entire region—building a stronger, more resilient Maine for everyone.
How does this benefit the general public?
The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub is designed to support nonprofits, helping build sustainability and improve service delivery – making our communities stronger. From food security to housing, mental health, and education, most of the services people depend on every day are delivered by nonprofits that are often stretched thin.
By strengthening the organizations behind those essential services, The COMMUNITY Hub creates a ripple effect, helping nonprofits operate more efficiently, collaborate more effectively, and serve more people across Maine.
This isn’t just a space for nonprofits—it’s an investment in the wellbeing of the entire region. When local organizations have the tools, training, and support they need, everyone in our community benefits.
How can I get involved?
We are so grateful for the partnerships and generosity The COMMUNITY: Maine’s Nonprofit Hub has been built on. You can give a one-time gift or pledge over two years. Corporate sponsorships and naming opportunities are also available. Additionally, you can help by spreading the word, volunteering, or sharing your ideas with us. Please email us at thecommunity@homeunitedway.org if you would like to connect.