The following is a brief collection of frequently asked questions about United Way of Johnson County. If you have a question that is not answered below, please do not hesitate to contact the office with your question.
Q: Who runs United Way of Johnson County?
A: United Way of Johnson County is governed by a 25-member volunteer board of directors — local residents and professionals who live and work in Johnson County and are deeply committed to this community. The board sets strategic direction, oversees organizational health, and ensures that donor resources are used wisely and effectively. UWJC employs a professional staff team to carry out day-to-day operations, manage programs, support our partner agencies, and run our annual campaign.
Q: Who decides how much funding each agency receives?
A: Community volunteers do. Each year, a volunteer review committee — made up of people just like you, from across Johnson County — visits our funded partner agencies, reviews their program data and financials, and assesses the impact and effectiveness of their services. Based on that thorough, community-driven review, the committee makes funding recommendations that are presented to our board of directors for final approval. This process ensures that allocation decisions are transparent, accountable, and grounded in community need rather than internal preference.
Q: How much of my donation actually helps people?
A: 87 cents of every dollar donated to United Way of Johnson County goes directly to programs and services that help our neighbors in need. We are proud of that number and work hard to maintain it. Our lean, efficient operation is made possible in large part by the generosity of our volunteers — who give their time so that donor dollars can go further.
Q: How can I help by giving?
A: There are several ways to support United Way of Johnson County through a financial gift. The most common — and most impactful — is through a workplace payroll deduction campaign. If your employer partners with UWJC, you can designate a contribution amount that is automatically deducted from each paycheck throughout the year. This makes giving easy, consistent, and meaningful — and many employers match employee gifts, doubling your impact at no additional cost to you. If your workplace does not currently have a campaign, contact us at 317.736.7840 and we can talk about getting one started. You can also give by check (mailed to United Way of Johnson County, P.O. Box 153, Franklin, IN 46131), by credit card at UWJC.org, or by setting up an ACH bank withdrawal for a one-time, monthly, or bi-weekly gift. Whatever amount you choose, your gift stays right here in Johnson County — invested in the agencies, programs, and neighbors who need it most.
Q: Isn't United Way just for people who are poor?
A: Not at all — and this is one of the most important misconceptions we work to address. United Way of Johnson County serves a much broader population than many people realize. While we absolutely serve residents experiencing poverty, the majority of the people we reach are what researchers call ALICE households — Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households earn above the federal poverty line but below the true cost of living in Johnson County. These are working families — teachers, healthcare workers, retail employees, warehouse workers — who are employed, paying taxes, and contributing to our community, but living without a financial cushion. One unexpected expense — a medical bill, a car repair, a utility shutoff notice — can send an ALICE household into crisis. Johnson County is one of Indiana's fastest-growing counties, and that growth has brought rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and transportation challenges that are outpacing wage growth for many working families. United Way of Johnson County exists for all of them — not just those in the deepest poverty, but the many more who are one hard month away from needing help.
Q: Does United Way of Johnson County pay dues to United Way Worldwide?
A: Yes. United Way of Johnson County is a member of United Way Worldwide, the global network of nearly 1,800 local United Ways. Membership connects us to best practices, research, training, and peer networks that help us serve Johnson County more effectively. Our dues support the infrastructure that makes the broader United Way movement possible — while all locally raised funds stay right here in Johnson County.
Q: Can I designate my gift to a specific agency or program?
A: Yes. If you would like your gift directed to a specific UWJC-funded agency or program, look for the designation option on your pledge card or contact our office at 317.736.7840. We will make sure your gift is directed according to your wishes.
Q: Have a question we didn't answer?
A: We'd love to hear from you. Call us at 317.736.7840 or visit UWJC.org to get in touch. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about our programs, our funded agencies, or how to get involved.