As a donor, you can process all your charitable gifts through the United Way. The donor option program allows convenient "one-stop-giving" by facilitating donations to specified charities in particular areas of community need.
You may assign part or all of your $20-minimum contribution to a specific area of service of:
a Canadian-registered charity (including funded and non-funded agencies)
that provides human care, health or social services
that is willing to accept funds from the United Way of PEI
Donations to United Way fully qualify for charitable tax credits by the federal and provincial governments. Payments to designated agencies are made annually.
Donate online or mail to: United Way of Prince Edward Island
180 Kent Street
Charlottetown, PE
C1A 7K4
Check out these top tips for making a wise donation.
1. Know your charity.
Charities have an obligation to provide detailed information to interested donors. Never give to a charity you know nothing about. Request written literature and a copy of the charity’s latest annual report. This should include a list of the board of directors, a mission statement and the most recent available audited financial statements with accompanying notes. If a charity does not provide you with the information you request, you may want to think twice about giving to it. Honest charities typically encourage your interest and respond to your questions.
At the United Way of PEI, we welcome your questions and requests for information. Most of your questions may be answered on this website. Feel free to contact us at: 1-877-902-4438 or by e-mail at:inquiries@peiunitedway.com if you require any additional information.
2. Find out where your dollars go.
Ask how much of your donation goes for general administration and fundraising expenses and how much is left for the program services you want to support. Ask the charity what were the major program accomplishments during the past year.
Check the pie graph on the Home Page of this website. You will see that our Fundraising and Administration expenses are kept low to ensure the maximum amount of your donation is going to support Islanders.
Over the past 12 yr. UWPEI has averaged expenses of 7.26% for Administration and only 17.22% for Fundraising.
3. Do not respond to pressure.
Do not let yourself be pressured into contributing on the spot. If you are not familiar with a charity, request additional information in writing. Inspect it carefully and write a check if you decide to donate. You have a right to say no. No legitimate organization will pressure you to give immediately.
In our 49 yr. history, the United Way of PEI has never….nor will we ever resort to pressure tactics. That’s not our Way.
4. Keep records of your donations.
Do not give cash. Also, do not give your credit card number to a telephone solicitor you do not know. Give your gift by check or money order so you will have a record for tax purposes. For online donations, make sure that the web site on which you will be providing your credit card information ensures you that it utilizes a secure transaction process. Also make sure that you will get a copy of your receipt online or via an email.
The United Way of PEI as a registered Canadian Charity (No. 119278356RR000) will provide you a tax receipt for your donation, as well as rest assured that all online donations are secure through our website Your tax receipt is issued immediately upon submitting your online donation.
5. Do not be misled by a charity’s familiar name.
Some questionable charities use an impressive name which closely resembles the name of a respected, legitimate organization. Check out the charity with the Canada Revenue Agency at: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html before making a contribution. Question phone solicitors which tell you nothing of the charity or offer vague explanations for spending your charitable dollars.
There is only one United Way of Prince Edward Island and we do not do telephone solicitation. We have one campaign a year from September-December. Occasionally you may hear from our Survey Department requesting information to assist us in identifying priority needs for Islanders. Your input is vital to which programs are supported with your donations.
6. Beware of charities offering gifts/”swag”.
Charities do this because it can help increase donations. These gifts items can mean higher fundraising costs for the organization and fewer of your donated dollars going to assist Islanders.
The United Way of PEI is very conscious of how we spend your hard earned money. We know that a heartfelt “Thank You” and regular program reports how your dollars are making a difference to Islanders….is what you really want in return.
7. Consider giving generously.
Once you are satisfied that the charity is worthwhile, give generously if you can. There are many good charities that need your help to operate valuable programs and provide needed services. When you give wisely, you will be giving more effectively.
We hope you have identified the United Way of PEI as the charity of your choice.
THE MONEY YOU DONATE TO UNITED WAY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND….STAYS ON PEI.
