United Way of Bristol works closely with local health and human service agencies to define issues and problems and develop community solutions to address them.  United Way of Bristol serves as a network for linking people together and for educating and referring people to services.  United Way also serves as a training resource to other local non-profits; facilitates the receipt of federal funds to local agencies through the Federal Emergency Management Agency to Bristol residents; facilitates the receipt and distribution of in-kind donations to local non-profits; is involved in community efforts affecting human service agencies.

 

All contributions to United Way of Bristol stay right here to help people who really need help in our community.  Unless designated by the donor, money is allocated by community volunteers among 25 local partner agencies and programs.

 

Absolutely.  You may designate to any of our 25 partner agencies or you may designate to a non-partner agency provided that they are registered with the state to receive charitable contributions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health or human service organization or you may also designate your gift to another United Way.  It is important to recognize, however, that the greatest impact of giving occurs when gifts are donated to the Community Investment Fund, rather than designated.  Donors designate a gift by completing the proper space on the pledge form.

 

Volunteers from every facet of the community study the community’s needs and distribute money raised accordingly.  All fund are overseen by the United Way of Bristol’s volunteer finance committee headed by a volunteer treasurer.  These volunteers include professionals in accounting and banking.  The United Way of Bristol is audited each year by a certified public accounting firm.