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United Way Campaign FAQ

Last Updated: April 10, 2026 5:29:26 PM PDT
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What is United Way of San Diego County?

Since 1920, United Way of San Diego County has been a locally governed, nonprofit organization that focuses on bringing together people and resources to assist those in need and improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.

The commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a complex social problem.
Is United Way a national or local organization?

United Way of San Diego County is a local, autonomous, non-profit organization. Like nearly 1,400 other United Ways across the country, we are governed by a local volunteer board of directors and all funds raised in San Diego are invested back into our local community. United Way of San Diego County pays nominal dues to United Way Worldwide in exchange for cost-saving services such as staff training, community research information, campaign products, NFL advertising, and ongoing consultation.

What is the United Way Campaign?

The United Way Campaign is one of San Diego County's most effective annual community fundraising efforts. San Diego County residents - most donating through their place of work through payroll deduction - have the ability to impact their community with ease, through the workplace campaign. It’s a great way for organizations to foster a culture of giving back.

Where will my donation go and what impact will it have?

Giving to United Way allows you to join thousands of other generous San Diego County donors in helping to change the odds for kids and families here in San Diego. When you donate to United Way you help families become stable and help children reach their educational milestones necessary for success. Your United Way donation supports a collective effort that uplifts entire families and neighborhoods. United Way turns your good intentions into results - by making the greatest difference possible in our communities.

Why should I give to the United Way Campaign instead of donating my money elsewhere?

You can have a greater impact in the community with a donation to United Way because your gift is combined with the contributions of thousands of other donors to address San Diego's most serious problems. For community-focused San Diegans, United Way of San Diego County is a powerful unifying catalyst working to improve and enhance the lives of local children and their families. Under the Collective Impact framework, our role is not just in funding, but also in being the connection between all organizations for the benefit of the movement. Our ultimate focus is to help San Diego’s children and families grow stronger.

What is "Collective Impact"?

Collective Impact is a proven, more effective framework for solving complex social issues. Collective Impact is the commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a complex social problem. Five conditions for Collective Impact to succeed: 

  • Common Agenda        
  • Shared Measurement Systems        
  • Mutually Reinforcing Activities        
  • Continuous Communication        
  • Backbone Support 
Why should I invest in United Way of San Diego County if I don't benefit from any of the services?

You might be surprised to learn how many organizations that touch our lives are supported by donations to United Way.  Southbay Community Services, Community Housing Works, 211 San Diego and North County Lifeline are just a few of our funded partners that provide services that benefit everyone.

How much of my gift goes for services versus administrative costs?
United Way takes pride in operating with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. The metrics which matter most are the measurements of impact we’re having in the community. We also work hard to keep the cost of fundraising to a minimum so more donor dollars go to services. The Better Business Bureau recommends that non-program service expenses not exceed 35% of total expenses. We are proud to say that our overhead is 15.99%. We also have a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating for financial transparency and efficiency.
What is the gift processing fee if my donation is designated to a UC San Diego department?

UC San Diego has made a commitment to a comprehensive development effort in order to meet increasing demands for private support to the institution. The amount of private support to UC San Diego has increased substantially in recent years and the benefits to our academic programs have been evident. University policy precludes using General Funds for fund raising efforts by Development. In order to recover a portion of the increasing costs of the private fund raising effort at UC San Diego, the University assesses a 6 percent gift fee on all gifts processed either through The Regents directly or through the UC San Diego Foundation.

Is my donation tax deductible?
Your gift is tax-deductible if you itemize on your tax return, subject to IRS restrictions.
Does United Way of San Diego County offer major gift and planned giving programs?
For those with the ability and desire to give more, United Way offers the Leadership Giving Society for donations of $1,000 to $9,999 annually, and The Alexis de Tocqueville Society for annual gifts of $10,000 or more. For planned giving, United Way's Legacy Gift sustains your caring beyond your lifetime.
What is the easiest way to give?
An annual pledge through a payroll deduction plan is a simple and effortless way to give. You have the convenience of a once-a-year decision for charitable giving—particularly useful if you like to give to a variety of charities. Payroll deduction also allows you the convenience of not having to write a check each month, and with a small, regular payment instead of a larger, lump sum, you can afford to give more. You can make your pledge online or with a paper form from Human Resources, hr@ucsd.edu
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I'm a UC retiree. Can I contribute to United Way from my monthly retirement pension check?
UC and the IRS do not permit charitable deductions from your monthly retirement pension check. However, you can still contribute to United Way in one of 2 ways:
  • Option 1: Complete a paper pledge form (PDF): For "name of company," enter "UCSD retiree." Your contribution will be included in the UC San Diego United Way Campaign. Contribution options include setting up monthly payments on your credit card or contributing a lump sum amount.
  • Option 2: Contribute via the United Way Web site: Click on the "Donate" button under How to Live United.  You can enter "UCSD retiree" as your company and set up monthly payments. However, this option only works if you do not designate your donation to a particular charity. If, for example, you want your contribution designated to the UC San Diego Cancer Center Foundation, you must submit a paper pledge form.