Give to libraries -- directly - PittsburghLIVE.com

Give to libraries -- directly - PittsburghLIVE.com: "Give to libraries -- directly

Thursday, June 16, 2005


Regarding your recent article on changes in funding by the United Way of Westmoreland, I regret to say that many local public libraries including Jeannette have also been victims ('29 groups facing cuts in United Way funding,' June 6).
The United Way for some years has had problems with general fund allocations because of increased use by the public of the 'donor option,' which allows donors to specify exactly what nonprofit is to receive the money. Since this option became available, the pool of money in the general fund has dwindled. Libraries and other former 'agencies' have now lost that general funding and must rely on donor options for basic operations.
The United Way has informed us that a 10 percent fee will be deducted from each donor option gift. Therefore, it would be highly advisable for people who want all of their money to go to the nonprofit of their choice to send the money directly to the chosen agency"