FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does United Way of Yellowstone County do?

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in Yellowstone County. With the help of our neighbors, we identify our community’s biggest needs and develop strategies and partnerships to tackle the big issues. Learn more.

Issues we are currently working on:

• Lack of affordable after school care through our CARE Academy and Discover Zones sites.
• Targeted support and help for new parents and parents of young children through the work of our Best Beginnings Coalition.
• Addressing the homelessness and substance abuse problems through Substance Abuse Connect and Continuum of Care Coalitions
• Increasing attendance and graduation rates through our Attendance Matters Initiative

If I donate to United Way of Yellowstone County, where does my money go?

Right back to our community! There are United Ways all around the world, but each United Way is setup to serve the needs of their own community. That means when you give to United Way of Yellowstone County you are helping build a brighter future for Yellowstone County and your neighbors. All of our donations stay local to support the programs, partnerships and collaborations our staff, board, supporters and YOU depend on.

Check out our Financial Page to see how we are good stewards of your donation. 

How does United Way invest in my community?

Contributions to United Way of Yellowstone County are invested in our community through our own programs and through partnerships and collaborations with local agencies. We are continually evaluating our efforts and the efforts of our partner agencies to ensure every dollar is being spent in the most impactful and productive ways and are producing measurable results. Learn more. 

Who am I helping with a gift to United Way of Yellowstone County?

You are helping us get a step closer to achieving our goal of a 95% graduation rate in Yellowstone County by 2025. You can help ensure that children are ready for school, students are succeeding, families are housed and fed and seniors are healthy and independent. Learn more. 

United Way of Yellowstone County supports the following organizations through direct grants:

Partner Grants

• Adult Resource Alliance
• Big Sky Senior Services
• Boys & Girls Club
• CASA of Yellowstone County
• Family Service
• Friendship House
• HRDC
• Tumbleweed
• Young Families Early Head Start
• YWCA

GO Grants

• Alternatives, Inc.
• AWARE
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County
• Billings Family YMCA
• Explorer's Academy
• Family Support Network
• The Family Tree Center
• Foster Grandparents
• Montana Rescue Mission
• MSUB Foundation
• Native American Development Corp
• Riverstone Health
• Wise Wonders Children's Museum
• Yellowstone Art Museum
• Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

COVID-19 Community Response Grants

• Alternatives, Inc.
• Angela's Piazza:  Drop-In Center
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County
• Big Sky Senior Services
• Billings Community Foundation
• Billings Family YMCA
• Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation
• Boys & Girls Club of Yellowstone County
• Center Pole (Garryowen)
• Child Bridge, Inc.
• Community Hope
• Community Leadership Development, Inc.
• Crow Tribe 
• Dress For Success Billings
• Education Foundation of Billings Public Schools
• Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley
• Family Service, Inc.
• Family Support Network
• Friendship House
• Gratitude in Action
• Mental Health Center
• MSU Billings Foundation
• Montana Rescue Mission
• NAMI of Billings
• Nurse Family Partnership
• St. Vincent de Paul
• The Family Tree Center
• The Salvation Army
• Tumbleweed
• UWYC CARE Academy - tuition assistance
• Yellowstone Art Museum
• Yellowstone CASA
• Young Families Early Head Start
• YWCA of Billings

United Way of Yellowstone County supports the following organizations through our coalitions:

*If there is a local organization not listed that you are committed to, we can facilitate funds to them as well.

** If you are interested in volunteering on the committee to determine which agencies will benefit from our upcoming cycle of direct grants, please contact Dean Wells: 406.272.8505, dwells@uwyellowstone.org

Does United Way give to Planned Parenthood?

Although some United Way’s contribute to Planned Parenthood, UWYC does not.

How can I give to United Way of Yellowstone County?

We encourage donors to GIVE what they can, be a champion when you ADVOCATE for a cause, and/or VOLUNTEER your time and talent.  If you wish to make a monetary donation, you can give through our Donate Now link on our website, or if your company is running a workplace campaign, contact the Employee Campaign Coordinator at your place of employment.  If you are interested in learning more about running a workplace campaign or have other questions, please contact us and we will help you out.

I am the Employee Campaign Coordinator for my company. Where can I get information about my workplace campaign? 

Check out the Campaign page to access tools and resources to run the best campaign yet.

Who do I contact for more information on the United Way Campaign?

Our Communications & Campaign Coordinator, Lisa McDaniel, would love to hear from you!  Please send an email directly to her at lmcdaniel@uwyellowstone.org or call 406-272-8504.