Ways to Give
United Way invests in programs that have the greatest impact and measures the results, so you can be sure your donation is working its hardest to change lives. And you can be assured that your contributions are managed according to your wishes. The Donor Bill of Rights is endorsed by United Way of America.
Why is United Way's Community Impact Fund is the best choice for your charitable investment?
United Way of Western Connecticut has a regional perspective on issues, but the ability to solve them locally. Your money can be designated to a particular initiative, a specific focus issue such as early childhood care, or to your hometown area.- United Way carefully studies the community to pinpoint the most pressing needs. We also review applicant program results. Funds can be invested based on research that most individuals are not able to do.
- Needs are not one-dimensional. United Way funds a network of care to ensure that all the services needed in our community are available. Programs work together to help clients get back on their feet.
- We multiply the effect of your gift. United Way affiliation enables agencies to leverage more public and private dollars in addition to their United Way funding.
- Volunteer oversight assures that United Way agencies adhere to sound fiscal policies and provide quality services.
United Way of Western Connecticut offers you choices in your giving.
You can click on our Donate Now button and donate online with a credit card, or call the United Way of Western Connecticut to make a credit card donation over the phone- You can contribute through a corporate campaign
-
You can mail a check to your local office address
United Way offers several Leadership Giving options.
Donors are recognized in our annual report and are invited to an annual Leadership Giving Association Dinner. There are four levels within the Leadership Giving Association.
| Levels of Giving | Contribution Amount |
|---|---|
| Alexis de Tocqueville Society | $10,000 or more |
| Gold | $4,000-$9,999 |
| Silver | $2,500-$3,999 |
| Bronze | $1,000-$2,499 |
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society
Alexis de Tocqueville was a young Frenchman who traveled to America in 1831 to record his observations of democracy in this dynamic new country. Tocqueville’s resulting work, entitled “Democracy in America” describes a country of willing, committed people who step forward to help when a need arises among others in the community. He saw volunteerism as a way of life that was uniquely American.
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society recognizes the French historian's admiration for our country's spirit of helping. Its members are recognized for their generous annual contribution of $10,000 or more in a local membership roster and in the annual national registry. There are more than 13,500 members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society from 285 communities nationwide. Members are also recognized in our annual report and are invited to an annual Leadership Giving Association Dinner.
To learn more about joining the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, please contact June Renzulli, CEO at 203-792-5330, or Michelle James, Stamford President at 203-348-7711.
The United Way also accepts donations of stock.
Potential Stock Gift Benefits include:
- Giving long-term (i.e., owned more than a year), appreciated securities may provide greater benefits to you and United Way
- You may save current income for day-to-day needs because a gift of stock does NOT come out of your cash flow
- You may save taxes two ways: Income tax and Capital Gains tax
- You may lower the "cost" of your gift
Planned Giving
The United Way is uniquely positioned because our partnerships, community knowledge, corporate relationships and money are all resources that can be brought to bear on our community's needs. The result is that the United Way can help direct lasting change in our community that improves people's lives.
To support this type of lasting change in our community, The Legacy Society of Northern Fairfield County and the Stamford Society have been established to recognize the generosity of individuals and families who have made or provided for planned gifts to United Way, as well as to encourage others to consider United Way of Western Connecticut when making their estate plans.
Making a planned gift is one of the best ways to support the United Way. Planned gifts allow donors to make a significant impact on those in need over an extended period of time while taking advantage of many benefits, which may:
- Reduce your taxes
- Increase your income
- Conserve your family's wealth
- Fulfill your charitable goals
- Be designed to reflect your special interests
Through your gift, you will change lives for the better and make a positive difference in our community. Opportunities to give a planned gift include:
- Bequests (through wills or living trusts)
- Securities
- Cash gifts
- Life insurance
- Real estate
- Retirement assets, such as pension plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
- Gift annuities
- Pooled income funds
- Charitable trusts
- Blessing Lives
If you are interested in discussing our Planned Giving options, we would be pleased to work with you and your advisors to develop a gift that best suits your particular needs. For more information or to discuss your needs in confidence, please contact June Renzulli, CEO at 203-792-5330, or Michelle James, Stamford President at 203-348-7711.