Questions for United Way Directors

On Thursday two directors from the United Way of the River Cities will be coming to my JMC 201 class to discuss their organization and specifically speak about the programs and agencies that the United Way funds and promotes.

It is important to ask questions that help give a better understanding of the organization and go deeper than just surface information. Some questions that I plan on asking are:

1. How much money did the United Way of the River Cities bring in last year? Was it the amount needed to fit your budget?
2. What are some fund-raising ideas that the United Way has for the local area in the upcoming year?
3. Can I receive a copy of your tax returns for the previous three years?
4. What are some goals that the United Way has set for success in improving the Huntington community within the next couple years?
5. How could interested people in the community get involved in helping the United Way achieve its goals?

I am also focusing on the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Tri-State as my agency that the United Way funds in the local area. Some questions that I will ask the directors from the United Way in regards to my specific agency are:

1. How much money did you give to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Tri-State last year?
2. What are some of the programs that the Big Brothers/Big Sisters are doing that you are specifically interested in and would like to see improved or expanded?

After the interview with the directors from the United Way, I will be doing research and an interview with a director from my specific agency. It will be important that I ask the same types of questions that get important and relevant information. Some of the questions that I will ask for that interview are:

1. Can I see a copy of your tax return from the three previous years?
2. How did the United Way assist in helping your agency be successful in your programs?
3. What are some ways that you would like to see your agency expand and grow in order to help the local community?
4. What were some of your activities and programs that were especially successful last year?
5. How could local people get involved in helping this agency be more active and successful in helping the community improve?

These types of questions are what people want to know about non-profit organizations. It raises awareness of what is going on in the community and how others can get involved in making these organizations a success.