A couple decades ago, I worked at a bank that supported the United Way. We were required to attend a meeting every year that was a big sales pitch for us to contribute. Due to a quirk in my personality, I abhor being "rah-rah"ed in any way. High school pep rallies were sheer torture because the students got all riled up against the opposition school (at the risk of Godwinning...).
The local United Way made the mistake of handing out brochures that listed where the money was spent. That list included the BSA & the GSA of the richest suburb - and no others. There was a group called "F.I.S.H" and nobody knew what it was. They gave money to the prom committee of another suburb (can't they have a prom without my donation?). Money was given to a group that put on puppet shows. Nobody could or would say how much went to any of them.
Companies that decide to support the United Way put a LOT of pressure on employees to contribute. They brag about 100% participation of employees and it makes me wonder how they did that. It's hard to believe that every single employee at a large KMart willingly contributed, but that's their claim. I think they were strongarmed into it or the store gave $5 in the employee's name.
The United Way also requires their "member" charities to get money from them only - they may not solicit contributions in any other way. What kind of nonsense is that? I hope that they changed that rule.
My pet charities are Cystic Fibrosis, the Arthritis Foundation, and cancer research - none of which are United Way.
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