Purdue United Way – Frequently Asked Questions
Every dollar you give to Purdue United Way supports programs, partners, and initiatives that improve lives right here in our community. Below are answers to common questions about how your gift makes an impact.
How to Give
The Purdue United Way ePledge system is open and easy to use.
- Visit: Purdue United Way. Click the donate button, then either the “Give now” or “I don’t wish to give” button.
- Use your Purdue career account ID, password, and authentication.
- Follow the steps to make your pledge by payroll deduction (begins January 2026), credit card, check, bill me, stock/securities or select not to participate this year.
Where Does the Money Go?
- Funding priority needs: Investments target urgent issues like youth opportunity, housing stability, financial security, and health access.
- Vetted partners: The campaign funds 24+ high-performing nonprofit partners through a competitive grant process with accountability and measurable outcomes.
- Strategic initiatives: The United Way also leads and support community collaborations that fill service gaps, reduce duplication, and solve complex community challenges.
Learn more: Community Investment Committee (CIC) | Funded Partners | Annual Reports | GuideStar Profile
Does My Donation Stay Local?
- 100% stays local: Every dollar raised stays right here in your Greater Lafayette or Indianapolis communities, supporting programs and initiatives guided by local volunteers and a local board through United Way of Greater Lafayette and United Way of Central Indiana.
- Funds raised here stay here, unless a donor chooses to designate their own gift elsewhere.
Can I Choose Which Agency or Program to Support?
Yes. You can designate your gift to:
- Any United Way funded partner.
- Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (8% reserved for the United Way campaign participation for any for non-partner designations), including the county in which you live.
- A specific United Way program such as Read to Succeed, Kindergarten Camp, or VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Why Not Give Directly to Agencies?
United Way increases your donation’s impact through collaboration, coordination, and leveraged funding. Your gift supports a network of services that address the full spectrum of community needs. For example, a family experiencing a housing crisis may need shelter, job training, childcare, and counseling — no single agency can meet all those needs alone. United Way ensures the entire network of services works together.
Does My Small Donation Really Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Every dollar and every donor matters. More than 9,000 individuals, families, and businesses contribute each year, with gifts ranging from $1 to tens of thousands. Together, these contributions make a powerful difference in our community.
What Percentage of Donations Goes Toward Overhead?
- United Way of Greater Lafayette’s 4-year average overhead rate is 13%, meaning 87% of every dollar goes directly to programs and services.
- For every $1 invested in United Way, more than $1 is returned to the community through leveraged grants and matching funds.
How Is United Way of Greater Lafayette Connected to United Way Worldwide?
United Way of Greater Lafayette is an independent, local nonprofit organization, part of the United Way network but governed by its own local board. The organization pay a small annual membership fee to United Way Worldwide, which provides access to fundraising and training resources, advocacy tools and educational materials, and the right to use the United Way name and logo.
Does United Way Only Raise Money for Other Organizations?
No. In addition to funding 25+ partner agencies, United Way of Greater Lafayette operates direct service programs such as Read to Succeed, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), and Kindergarten Countdown Camp. The United Way of Greater Lafayette also leads community collaborations focused on housing, mental health, and substance use.
How Does Vanguard Leadership Giving Work?
Vanguard donors contribute $1,000+ more annually. While they represent only 10% of our donor base, they contribute nearly 50% of all donations. These gifts, like all others, are allocated through the Community Investment Committee to meet the greatest community needs.
How Transparent is the United Way of Greater Lafayette?
- Independent oversight: Funding decisions are made by a volunteer-led Community Investment Committee composed of diverse, qualified community members.
- Annual audits: The organization undergoes an annual independent financial audit and publishes its IRS Form 990 for public review.
- Seal of Transparency: United Way of Greater Lafayette holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar) – an achievement earned by fewer than 1% of nonprofits – and maintains a 100% 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
You can review their financials on their GuideStar profile.
Where Can I Direct Other Questions?
E-mail Purdue’s Lisa L. Duncan with any questions not answered here.
About Purdue United Way
The Purdue United Way campaign is dedicated to raising funds and supporting initiatives that address critical needs in the Greater Lafayette area. Through community-driven efforts and strategic partnerships, we strive to create lasting, positive change in our community.