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What does Valley of the Sun United Way do?
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in work and in life. As we implement our MC2026 plan for Mighty Change throughout Maricopa County, we’re putting all our efforts toward reaching Bold Goals in Education, Housing and Homelessness, Health and Workforce Development.
Creating Mighty Change is so much greater than any one person or single organization—it takes an entire community. That’s why Valley of the Sun United Way engages leaders and experts from nearly 500 companies and more than 100 non-profit and school partners to work together to shape a more equitable and thriving future for us all.
With the support of loyal donors and volunteers like you, we know we can achieve Mighty Change—together. Every dollar you donate and every hour you volunteer benefits our friends, families and neighbors right here in Maricopa County.
How is Valley of the Sun United Way addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
Valley of the Sun United Way is deeply rooted in our community; so we focus on the issues that the community has identified as most pressing. That's why we led a year-long, community-driven process to develop MC2026. Our research revealed that the pandemic has intensified longstanding systemic inequities related to race, socioeconomic status and education. Addressing these interconnected inequities is central to every solution.
Does United Way accept gifts-in-kind? If so, where do those materials go?
Valley of the Sun United Way's Gifts-in-Kind program matches essential goods and services donated by corporate partners with local non-profits, schools and other organizations in urgent need. The donated materials are collected and distributed throughout Valley of the Sun United Way's network to ensure they reach the people and communities that need them most.
Why should I donate to Valley of the Sun United Way?
By donating to Valley of the Sun United Way, you empower local community members to reach their full potential through education and financial self-sufficiency. The convenience of payroll deduction makes it easy to invest in solutions that support Maricopa County's children, families and neighborhoods. When you give to Valley of the Sun United Way, you join a collective effort to uplift your local community.
Is Valley of the Sun United Way a national or local organization?
Valley of the Sun United Way is a locally-governed, autonomous non-profit organization, similar to the thousands of other United Way chapters across the country. Our volunteer Board of Directors oversees the organization's operations. In exchange for these critical services–including staff training, community research, campaign materials, national marketing partnerships and ongoing consultation–Valley of the Sun United Way pays nominal dues to United Way Worldwide.
What does Valley of the Sun United Way do in addition to raising money?
For nearly 100 years, Valley of the Sun United Way has mobilized the caring power of individuals and organizations across Maricopa County to improve lives. By bringing together partners from the public, private and non-profit sectors, we create collaborative solutions that transform individual lives and drive systemic change to strengthen entire communities. This long-standing commitment to serving the needs of local families has been the driving force behind Valley of the Sun United Way since its inception in 1925.
Why are there two United Ways in Maricopa County?
Maricopa County has two distinct United Way organizations, each with a specific service area. Mesa United Way focuses solely on raising funds and providing assistance within the City of Mesa. In contrast, Valley of the Sun United Way raises money across Maricopa County, excluding the City of Mesa, and offers services county-wide. Valley of the Sun United Way provides donors with a range of giving options to accommodate their preferences, and also honors designations to the Mesa United Way, other United Ways or qualified non-profits.
What is Valley of the Sun United Way’s overhead costs?
As stewards of donor contributions, Valley of the Sun United Way operates with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness. We dedicate over 90 cents of every dollar to improving lives in the community, with less than 10 percent spent on administrative costs like fundraising, marketing, accounting and organizational management.
How do I know that my donation will help those who need it most?
Valley of the Sun United Way's rigorous review and evaluation process ensures that local programs receiving funding demonstrate measurable impact for individuals and families experiencing poverty. Valley of the Sun United Way's Community Impact Committee thoroughly assesses program performance against specific metrics before making funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval. This competitive and extensive process guarantees that donor contributions are invested in proven, results-driven human services that transform lives.
How is Valley of the Sun United Way held accountable?
Valley of the Sun United Way is a highly transparent and accountable organization. A team of volunteer financial experts meets regularly to closely monitor the organization's fiscal health. Additionally, the organization undergoes an independent annual audit to verify the soundness of its financial statements. Beyond posting its public tax filings online, Valley of the Sun United Way is an active member of the Better Business Bureau and has been recognized with the organization's prestigious Ethics Award for upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability.
Why should I give directly to Valley of the Sun United Way instead of designating my donation to another non-profit organization?
Donating to Valley of the Sun United Way ensures your gift will have the greatest local impact. To drive collective change, the organization brings together partners from every sector–public, business, non-profit and faith-based–to tackle community challenges. Together, we work to remove barriers and ensure everyone has access to essentials like food and health care. We also focus on closing opportunity gaps, so children read at grade level by 3rd grade and youth are prepared for academic and career success. Additionally, we strive to help all community members secure safe housing and access better-paying jobs.
Does Valley of the Sun United Way allow designations to any 501(c)(3) organization?
Valley of the Sun United Way respects a donor's right to designate their contribution to any qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
What does partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way mean?
Over the past several years, Valley of the Sun United Way has approached partnerships in a new way. We collaborate with hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals to drive transformative change across Maricopa County. Some partners receive direct funding, while others contribute their expertise, resources and commitment to our shared goals without financial support.
This evolving approach allows us to do much more than simply fund the efforts of other agencies and organizations.
In addition to providing strategic investment, Valley of the Sun United Way actively supports families, children and neighborhoods through a variety of partnership models–from traditional grant programs to pilot projects and innovative collaborative initiatives. By aligning funding and efforts with clear, community-focused goals, Valley of the Sun United Way is able to maximize impact and create Mighty Change throughout the region.
What criteria must non-profits meet to be eligible for donor-designated funds?
Non-profits are subject to a certification process and must meet the following minimum standards:
What criteria must agencies meet to be eligible for grant funding?
Agencies are responsible for adhering to a number of compliance criteria to receive Valley of the Sun United Way program grant funding, including:
How are Valley of the Sun United Way partners held accountable?
Valley of the Sun United Way conducts a rigorous, competitive review process to select local programs for funding. These programs are evaluated based on their demonstrated impact on individuals and families experiencing poverty, as measured against specific performance criteria. This evaluation helps ensure donor contributions are invested in programs proven to produce meaningful, measurable results and improve lives.
How much influence do I have over how my contribution is invested?
Valley of the Sun United Way provides donors flexible giving options to support the community. The most straightforward approach is donating to the "Where Needed Most" fund, which enables Valley of the Sun United Way to drive impactful change most efficiently. Alternatively, donors can direct contributions to one or more of their focus areas: Education, Housing & Homelessness, Health and Workforce Development. Additionally, the organization honors donor designations to specific non-profit agencies that meet pre-established criteria.
The agency I want to support is not listed. Can I still restrict my contribution to that particular agency?
Donating to Valley of the Sun United Way is the best way to support a wide range of vital services and programs that address the community's most pressing needs. Valley of the Sun United Way invests in proven, effective practices to ensure every donated dollar is maximized. To verify an agency's compliance with Valley of the Sun United Way's criteria, call the certification line at (602) 631-4813. All inquiries will be responded to within 48 hours.
Last year, I contributed directly to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and qualified for a tax credit. Is that option still available? What are the benefits of choosing this option?
Donations to Valley of the Sun United Way's Arizona Charitable Tax Credit program qualify for the Arizona state "Credit for Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations." Valley of the Sun United Way serves as an umbrella organization for this tax credit program. Gifts made to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit Fund can be claimed for this credit and reported using code 20726.
Your contribution to the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit is leveraged to address multiple causes of poverty in the Valley. By directing a portion of your Valley of the Sun United Way donation to the charitable tax credit, you can increase self-sufficiency for people in need and receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit this year. You can donate up to $470 as an individual or up to $938 for joint filers, without needing to itemize deductions.
To receive an acknowledgment letter for your tax records, provide your name, home address and phone number on your pledge card or online at www.vsuw.org/taxcredit.
For more details on Valley of the Sun United Way's Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and the state's "Credit for Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations," call (602) 631-4800. Please note that Valley of the Sun United Way does not provide tax advice; it is recommended to consult a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.
I am already on a tight budget. How can I afford to give?
The need is enormous, but every contribution helps. Even a modest recurring donation—whether per pay period or monthly online—can improve the lives of countless children, families and individuals throughout the Valley who need support. By spreading your contribution over the coming year, through payroll deduction or monthly online donations, you can make it more manageable than a one-time gift.
You can also get involved by volunteering or advocating with Valley of the Sun United Way. As a volunteer, you can lend your time and effort to help with initiatives such as assembling School Readiness Kits or delivering Pantry Packs to local schools. As an advocate, you can share important information about key social issues with others. To learn more about volunteering, call (602) 631-4800 or visit www.vsuw.org/volunteer.
Who are Women United?
Valley of the Sun United Way’s passionate Women United members are dedicated to creating opportunities that uplift the lives of all in our community. With a particular focus on education and early childhood literacy, these individuals work to provide children with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Join Women United with a minimum annual gift of $1,000 to the work of Valley of the Sun United Way. Gifts can be shared through a workforce campaign, combined with a corporate match or with the support of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
Visit www.vsuw.org/womenunited to join and learn more.
I had a friend, family member or neighbor who reached out to United Way but did not get help.
As a United Way organization, Valley of the Sun United Way does not offer direct services. This means we may be limited in our ability to assist with specific individual situations for various reasons including requested services being unavailable locally, an individual not meeting program eligibility or the request falling outside the scope of services.
If you or someone you know is seeking help, you are encouraged to contact 2-1-1 Arizona. This 24/7 helpline, operated by the Crisis Response Network, can connect individuals to vital community resources. You can also visit 211arizona.org to learn about available assistance. To speak with a 2-1-1 specialist, call from an Arizona area code or 1-877-211-8661 from elsewhere.
What is Planned Giving?
Planned Giving allows donors to include Valley of the Sun United Way in their estate plans, creating a memorable and unique arrangement that establishes a lasting legacy to benefit individuals and families. An endowment at Valley of the Sun United Way assures a long-term vision for Maricopa County.
Planned Giving furthers Valley of the Sun United Way's mission by encouraging estate gifts that provide perpetual support for community programs. While the annual Valley of the Sun United Way campaign significantly impacts immediate needs, planned gifts can offer continuous support and flexibility to address the emerging needs of the community well into the future.
To learn more about Planned Giving and including Valley of the Sun United Way in your estate plan, please contact Lisa Groves at lgroves@vsuw.org or (602) 631-4806.
What is Tocqueville Society?
In 1984, the Valley's foremost philanthropists established the Tocqueville Society, a group of over 200 community leaders who donate at least $10,000 annually to Valley of the Sun United Way. These leaders–hailing from diverse neighborhoods, backgrounds and careers–leverage their generosity and expertise to enact meaningful, transformative change in the lives of children and families across our community.
To learn more about becoming a Tocqueville Society member, please contact Jacqueline Blake-Broughton at jblakebroughton@vsuw.org or (602) 384-1096.
What should I do if I have other questions not found in this FAQ?
Please contact the Valley of the Sun United Way office at (602) 631-4800 or via email at information@vsuw.org.
