Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Tulsa Area United Way
• Why give through United Way?
• If I donate, will my name and address be sold to others?
• If I need services, where can I get help?
• What makes the Tulsa Area United Way so effective?
• How much of my contribution stays in the Tulsa area?
• What does the Tulsa Area United Way do besides raise money?
• Who runs the Tulsa Area United Way?
• What is United Way Worldwide?
• How is the Tulsa Area United Way related to the United Way Worldwide and other United Ways across the country?
• What is TAUW's Tax ID Number?

What is the Tulsa Area United Way?

The Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) is the only nonprofit organization in the six-county area funding 59 partner agencies whose critical services deliver the three building blocks to a better life: education, financial stability and health/safety. Since 1924, TAUW has raised over $800 million to provide services for millions of Tulsa area individuals' needs.

TAUW is governed by a local volunteer board of directors. Several thousand other volunteers serve in a variety of programs and activities. The Tulsa Area United Way is independent of all other United Ways. All decisions are made by the local United Way and money raised in our community stays in our community.

Why give through United Way?

Known for outstanding efficiency and the hundreds of volunteers that drive the agency, TAUW can proudly report to contributors that approximately 90 cents of every dollar donated last year went directly to local services, and that hundreds of thousands of lives were touched, changed or perhaps even saved through area contributions.

Plus, donors can be sure that their donation is going to highly successful nonprofit organizations. The Tulsa Area United Way is the steward of a robust, volunteer-led process to assess and invest in community needs for equitable and accountable distribution of funds.

If I donate, will my name and address be sold to others?

No! As part of our Code of Ethics, the Tulsa Area United Way honors the confidentiality of information and the privacy of our donors and beneficiaries.

If I need services, where can I get help?

Tulsa Area United Way helps fund an information and referral service called 2-1-1 HelpLine. Simply dial 211 or click here to view a list of Tulsa Area United Way partner agencies.

What makes the Tulsa Area United Way so effective?

By working closely with business, labor, government and human services organizations, TAUW is uniquely positioned to have the greatest possible impact on our community's most pressing needs. Your dollars, your volunteer hours and your best ideas are combined and focused on opportunities to make our community stronger and safer. More than 90 cents of every dollar you contribute goes directly to help people in need, making TAUW one of the most cost-effective organizations in the community. At the same time, United Way volunteers encourage agencies to combine their resources to avoid duplication of efforts and provide the best services possible.

No other organization gathers the information, does the research, or follows up as efficiently and effectively as the TAUW. So when you support the Tulsa Area United Way and its 59 partner agencies, you know that your contributions are making the greatest difference possible, right here in your community.

How much of my contribution stays in the Tulsa area?

Tulsa Area United Way receives support and provides help in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties. All money raised in our six county service area stays to help residents in those counties.

What does the Tulsa Area United Way do besides raise money?

The Tulsa Area United Way works closely with service providers, governments and other funders to identify health and human service problems in our communities and develops plans to address them.

TAUW also assists nonprofit agencies in recruiting and training volunteers and provides volunteer resources in the area of management and technical assistance, training and board leadership. In addition, TAUW lobbies for supportive health and human services policies, and it helps create collaborative partnerships to improve the community's capacity to solve problems.

The Tulsa Area United Way also assists in nonprofit leadership development and technology services for nonprofits.

Who runs the Tulsa Area United Way?

Community volunteers from all walks of life run the Tulsa Area United Way. The 48 members of the Board of Directors establish and monitor policy. Nearly 170 community investment volunteers visit agencies and review their programs and budgets before making funding recommendations. About 2,000 campaign volunteers raise the money. Many others oversee the programs of the 59 partner agencies and evaluate the impact these programs have on our communities.

What is United Way Worldwide?

United Way Worldwide (UWW) is an international service and training center for local United Ways, much like a trade association in any other industry. Its purpose is to help local United Ways accomplish their mission by doing things which local United Ways cannot do on their own, such as the donated TV spots from the National Football League.

How is the Tulsa Area United Way related to the United Way Worldwide and other United Ways across the country?

Our Tulsa Area United Way is independent of UWW and other local United Ways. Our organization is governed by our local volunteers; decisions made by other United Ways have no impact on decisions made in the Tulsa area. The Tulsa Area United Way's relationship with UWW remains strong, and the services it provides are very valuable. Each year, the Tulsa Area United Way spends under one percent of its campaign total on various services from the UWW.

What is TAUW's Tax ID Number?

TAUW's Tax ID number is 73-0580283.