Frequently Asked Questions

No. Pueblo County remains our home, our headquarters, and a core focus of our work. We have proudly served Pueblo County since 1923 and remain deeply committed to supporting local nonprofits, programs, donors, volunteers, and residents. Our regional growth does not come at the expense of Pueblo County. Rather, we believe stronger regional collaboration can create additional opportunities and resources that benefit Pueblo and surrounding communities alike.

Yes. United Way of Southern Colorado is committed to building stronger relationships and increasing engagement throughout Southern Colorado. Our approach is intentionally partnership-driven. We are not entering communities to replace local organizations, duplicate services, or dictate priorities. We are committed to listening first, building trust, supporting existing efforts, and identifying ways we can add value alongside local leaders, nonprofits, businesses, and residents.

It means that while our work and partnerships are expanding throughout Southern Colorado, Pueblo County remains foundational to our mission, operations, and community investments. We believe it is possible to honor our deep roots in Pueblo while building stronger partnerships and collaborative opportunities across the region.

Yes. Donor designations will continue to be honored. Contributions intended for Pueblo County programs and initiatives will continue to support Pueblo County communities. Transparency and donor intent remain important priorities for our organization.

No. United Way remains committed to supporting local nonprofit organizations and community investments in Pueblo County while also working to strengthen nonprofit capacity, collaboration, and partnerships throughout Southern Colorado. Any future regional initiatives will be developed in partnership with local communities and stakeholders.

Many of the challenges facing our communities do not stop at county lines. Workforce development, housing, healthcare access, nonprofit sustainability, transportation, and economic opportunity affect communities throughout the region. A regional approach allows organizations, community leaders, businesses, and residents to work together more effectively, share resources, strengthen partnerships, advocate for common priorities, and create greater collective impact.

United Way of Southern Colorado currently serves a 31-county footprint across Southern Colorado through partnerships, nonprofit support efforts, regional initiatives, and collaborative programs. The organization remains committed to working alongside local communities to determine how engagement and support can best meet community needs.

No. Our goal is to strengthen and support existing community efforts, not replace them. Southern Colorado already has incredible nonprofits, community leaders, local governments, schools, faith communities, and organizations doing important work every day. We believe communities are strongest when organizations work together, and we are committed to being a collaborative partner that helps strengthen connections, coordination, and shared impact.

We believe local voices should guide local priorities. That is why we are launching the “United in Community” listening tour. Community conversations, stakeholder meetings, nonprofit partner discussions, and regional convenings will help inform future priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration. We are committed to listening before acting and partnering before leading.

United in Community is a regional listening initiative launching in late summer/fall 2026.  The effort will include community listening sessions, nonprofit partner meetings, stakeholder roundtables, and regional collaboration discussions throughout Southern Colorado. The purpose is to listen, learn, strengthen relationships, identify shared priorities, and help shape future regional collaboration efforts. 

Our headquarters will remain in Pueblo, Colorado. As we continue building regional partnerships, we will evaluate opportunities to strengthen engagement and collaboration throughout Southern Colorado, but there are no immediate changes to operations as a result of the name transition.

No. The organization remains the same nonprofit entity with the same commitment to community impact. The change is a public-facing name transition that better reflects our regional identity and service area.

No. This is not a merger, acquisition, or consolidation. United Way of Southern Colorado remains the same organization and continues to operate independently under the same leadership and Board of Trustees.

Pueblo has been our home since 1923 and remains central to our mission, operations, partnerships, and leadership. The regional name reflects a broader service footprint and vision, but Pueblo remains the foundation of our organization and will continue to serve as our headquarters.

Success means stronger partnerships, increased collaboration, more coordinated resources, a stronger collective voice for Southern Colorado, and better outcomes for the communities we serve. Our goal is not simply to grow as an organization. Our goal is to help communities work together more effectively, strengthen nonprofit sustainability, attract investment to the region, and create lasting impact for Southern Colorado residents.

There are many ways to participate:

• Attend a United in Community listening session.

• Volunteer with a local program or initiative.

• Support United Way through a donation.

• Become a nonprofit or community partner.

• Share ideas and feedback about community needs and opportunities. We believe the best solutions come from communities themselves, and we welcome everyone to be part of the conversation. Reach out to us at: engage@unitedwaysoco.org.

The mission of United Way Pueblo County is "To serve as a trusted community leader by leveraging resources in support of collaborative solutions". United Way unites a diverse group of citizens and agencies in a community-wide effort to provide human services in the most efficient and impactful way. It collaborates with various social service and health agencies across 32 counties across Colorado.

United Way is more than just a fundraising campaign; it represents the largest voluntary effort dedicated to supporting vital health and human service agencies right here in our community. By identifying service priorities that address future community needs, United Way ensures that services meet high performance standards through continuous evaluation.

It’s rare to find someone or a family who has never benefited from a United Way agency. Anyone in need can access the support offered by these agencies, including individuals who are disabled, elderly, disaster-stricken, teenagers, or those facing emotional or marital challenges. United Way also provides access to recreational and volunteer opportunities.

One in three families benefit from United Way services, such as senior care, food assistance, rent or mortgage support, mental health counseling, and daycare. In times of tragedy, United Way agencies are there to offer help. These services are designed to support people regardless of their income level. Ultimately, we all benefit from living and working in a healthier, happier community.

Your gift enhances the quality of life for you, your family, your neighbors, and your entire community. It provides access to hundreds of essential health and social services that are not covered by government programs. These services help stabilize lives, reduce social challenges, promote productivity, and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the community.

No single agency can address all the needs of a community. That’s why United Way supports a diverse range of agencies that provide essential services. Through thoughtful planning and coordination, United Way ensures that your donation goes further, maximizing the impact of every dollar contributed. Additionally, many employers offer payroll deduction, making it easier to spread out your pledge and potentially give more than you could with a one-time donation. Some companies also match your gift, further increasing your contribution’s impact.

Experienced volunteers, who have a deep understanding of local needs, ensure that your gift is directed where it is most needed through our Community Fund program. In nearly every instance, they make tough decisions about balancing the needs of various agencies with what the community can reasonably support.

Local United Way-supported agencies are facing several challenges and are seeking additional support. One of the most pressing issues is the reduction in government funding for social services, combined with a long-term downturn in the economy. Many believe that the nonprofit sector can deliver these services more cost-effectively, and United Way offers the platform to make that possible.

United Way Pueblo County is more than just a fundraising organization; it is a vital community problem-solving resource. When specific needs arise, United Way takes proactive steps to address them. Recognizing gaps in services such as one-on-one mentoring, financial literacy, access to banking for the unbanked population, and tax assistance, United Way has stepped in to fill these voids. Programs like the United Way Pueblo County Middle School Mentoring Program, the Financial Empowerment Center(FEC), the Bank On Pueblo County Program, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA) Program are shining examples of how we respond to emerging needs while ensuring we don't duplicate existing services in the community.

Volunteers stretch donated dollars. If you would like to volunteer, but don’t know where your services can do the most good, call the United Way at 225-8580. We can match you with a United Way agency that truly needs your help.

United Way Pueblo County strongly opposes any form of coercion, as it goes against the core principle of voluntary giving. Your contribution to United Way is a personal decision, and the amount you choose to give is entirely up to you. We believe that no coercive actions are acceptable in the process of giving.

Your contribution is entirely your decision. United Way Pueblo County believes that giving is a personal choice, and it is up to each individual to decide whether and how much to give. If you are one of the generous donors who contribute beyond your business's fair share giving guidelines, United Way agencies deeply appreciate your support and encourage you to continue your valuable financial contribution.

Yes, our donor choice program allows contributors to designate how their donations are allocated. United Way of Pueblo County honors all designations to any legal 501(c)(3) organization. To keep administration and overhead costs low, a minimum gift of $52 per designated agency is required.

It’s important for every employed person to contribute to the United Way network of support. Many individuals rely on United Way services that are essential to maintaining their well-being and productivity. Every worker plays a role in sustaining these vital programs, which strengthen the social and economic fabric of our community and, in turn, support job stability for all wage earners.

Yes, labor organizations and members work with management to make the campaign a success. All levels of business and labor are represented on United Way committees.

The United Way philosophy encourages you to give where you work. Individuals who live outside of Pueblo but earn a living here are still eligible to access services provided by United Way-supported agencies. United Way of Pueblo County focuses on supporting local agencies within the area, but if you live outside the county, you have the option to designate your gift to an organization in your own community.

You don’t have to. Pledge your gift through payroll deduction and spread out small payments throughout the year. A small weekly amount adds up to an important part of the total campaign effort. United Way services need your year round support.

You will not be expected to continue your pledge payments during your period of unemployment. At the time of re-employment, you will be given the opportunity to reinstate your pledge.

Experienced volunteers and UWPC staff, knowledgeable of local needs, monitor agencies and make sure your money is well spent. All funded nonprofits must adhere to guidelines and report on awarded funds.

Since most of us don’t have time to evaluate all the worthwhile causes that ask our help, the Community Support/Funding Committee volunteers serve as our representatives. They make sure the necessary services are available in our area and that those who need help most can get it.

14 percent goes to fundraising and administration. Compare this with other drives where much more of the actual amount raised has gone for fundraising costs. The nationally accepted standard for fundraising and administrative costs is 40 percent. United Way is the most efficient and effective way to help people. It’s planned, it’s budgeted and it’s fair to the people in the community.  Less than one cent on every dollar leaves Pueblo County for United Way of America dues, as 99% stays here helping in our community.

Those that render a needed social service may have been invited, but some have decided not to join United Way. Perhaps other agencies failed to meet standards for admission as United Way member agencies. Others have simply not been funded because the campaign has not raised enough money. Volunteers have tough decisions to make as they allocate limited dollars in a prioritized way. All not-for-profit health and human service agencies should be considered part of the campaign since donors have the option to designate their gifts to non-United Way agencies.

United Way ensures through all levels of funding that an agency must perform a unique service and meet standards that will not permit duplication. United Way funds specific programs of agencies. One key item our Community Support/Funding Committee volunteers examine is whether or not programs are necessary.

Get the facts...names, dates all the pertinent information...then call United Way. All complaints will be checked out thoroughly. No one who needs help is ever deliberately turned down. Over the years, we have found through careful investigation, that many complaints are usually misunderstandings that can be resolved.  Occasionally, however, there are cases where an agency has been allocated only enough funds to assist a specific number of persons, and the budget simply cannot be stretched any further.

Fees are generally adjusted according to ability to pay. This stretches your United Way dollars as far as possible and allows many more people to receive assistance. While resources may limit some services, no one is refused service because of inability to pay.

United Way allocations provide only part of an agency’s budget. Therefore, agencies must raise other funds in order to provide their services. Also, since United Way funds only go toward funding programs and not administration or capital budgets, agencies conduct their own fundraising for operations and capital fund campaigns for building construction and major renovations. Dramatic growth in the United Way campaign would permit agencies to do less of their own fundraising. United Way is the most cost-effective way to support agencies.

United Way Pueblo County is one of 1,200 local United Ways throughout the United States and operates independently and autonomously, directing our own course based on community needs. Funding decisions are based on the direction given by our governing board and allocations committee, consisting of local, knowledgeable volunteers who make funding decisions based on needs in our community. United Way Worldwide does not dictate funding to local UWs, rather assists with marketing, training, and provides support on national company campaigns.

United Way Pueblo County does not fund Planned Parenthood. Our donors do have the right to designate their funds to legal 501c3 organizations. If an individual donor chooses to designate their own personal contribution to Planned Parenthood, United Way Pueblo County will honor that designation as we hold donor stewardship very highly. Planned Parenthood has not requested funds nor have any United Way Pueblo County Community Care/allocations or grant dollars been used to fund Planned Parenthood.