Frequently Asked Questions
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Note: Please click on a question to display the answer. 1. Why Palmetto Society?The Palmetto Society is a way to recognize those who make what United Way has defined as a “leadership gift” of $1,000 or more. 2. Can I combine my gift with my spouse?Yes. Palmetto Society was developed to recognize individual gifts of $1,000 or more but if a couple wishes to combine their gifts from two different workplaces they may. One spouse must give a minimum of $100. Each company is recognized for the employee as a Palmetto Society member. You must notify United Way directly of your wish to combine your gift. 3. Do I need to be an executive or manager in my company to be a Palmetto Society member?No, the Palmetto Society is for any individual who gives $1,000 or more to the United Way on an annual basis. For as little as $20 per week, you can change lives and improve the overall quality of life in our community. 4. My company does not have a United Way campaign. How can I join the Palmetto Society?You may pledge online or simply call United Way 467-3333 and ask to speak to member of United Way’s Leadership Giving staff and they can advise you on making a gift or pledge. 5. If I designate my gift to an agency is there a fee for making that designation?In some cases there is a fee of 13% for the processing of donor designated dollars. The fee is capped at $130. There is no fee for a designation to other United Ways in Upstate SC, or for contributions of $10,000 or more. 6. Who is Alexis de Tocqueville?Tocqueville was a French aristocrat who came to America in 1831 and traveled all over our nation. His observations formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and politics. 7. I’m already a Palmetto Society member. How can I become more involved?If you wish to become involved directly with a United Way committee call 467-3333 and ask to speak with a member of United Way’s Leadership Giving staff. If you want to volunteer with a community agency, visit Hands On Greenville for opportunities. 8. As a Palmetto Society member how can I be involved in funding decisions?United Way volunteers look carefully each year at agency programs requesting funding. These volunteers look at the program’s objectives and outcomes to determine how effective that program is at meeting the goals of our community. The recommendations for funding are submitted to the Community Impact Council and United Way Board for approval. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact a Leadership Giving staff member. 9. What is YP?United Way Young Philanthropists (YPs) are young leaders in the community, age 40 and under, who contribute $1,000 or more through the United Way annually. The group was created in 1999 to both encourage more young people to begin planning their philanthropy and to provide them with opportunities to engage themselves in the community and with each other. 10. Why should I become a YP?YP Members have the unique opportunity to network with other young professionals in our community through recognition and small group events. In addition, YPs have the option each year to submit their names to agencies for serving on their boards and committees. This is a way that YPs can become more involved with the community and actually see how their dollars are being put to work. 11. What is YP 20s?YP 20s is for people in their twenties who want to give back to the community, but cannot yet make the commitment to joining Young Philanthropists (YP), a sub-set of the Palmetto Society (United Way's $1,000+ group). YP 20s participants make a minimum $500 contribution with the commitment to grow their giving to $1,000 by the time they reach age 30. Participants are included in all YP functions and are given special recognition as community leaders. Please call 467-3510 or visit www.YPgreenville.org for more information 12. What are YP Born Learning Trails?Born Learning is an initiative to encourage parents and caregivers to interact with their children in everyday settings because learning happens all the time. The trails are installed in public places where a caregiver may take a child — parks, grocery stores, laundromats, etc. Each trail is made up of nine activity stations that encourage the adult to engage the child in learning. YPs are taking the lead on installing trails in the Greenville Community, the first of which is located in Greenville's Cleveland Park. 13. What is the YP Mentor of the Year Award?YP members will have the opportunity to nominate individuals who have served as their mentors. The nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of YP members and the winner will be presented at the first annual YP Mentor of the Year event held in early 2012. 14. If I am over 40 years old but my spouse is younger, can we still be considered YP?Yes. As long as one spouse is age 40 or younger, a couple can be included in YP. 15. What is Women’s Leadership?Women’s Leadership is a subcommittee of The Palmetto Society, United Way’s leadership giving recognition group. Women’s Leadership members are those who contribute $1,000 or more annually through the United Way. The goal of Women’s Leadership is to strengthen our community by identifying and promoting women who are dedicated to furthering philanthropy. 16. What is the Women's Leadership Jobs to Careers Scholarship Program?In 2009, Women's Leadership unveiled the Jobs to Careers — Women Helping Women Scholarship program. Using up to 3% of all undesignated WL annual contributions, this program is designed to provide well-deserving women in the Greenville community with financial and mentoring support as they pursue training for better career opportunities and, ultimately, allowing them to reach their full potential. 17. My spouse and I give jointly. Can I still participate in Women Leadership?Yes, as long as the combined gift you and your spouse make is at the Palmetto Society level, you are considered a member of Women’s Leadership and will be invited to all of their events. One spouse must give a minimum of $100. 18. What is African American Leadership?United Way African American Leadership is a subcommittee of the Palmetto Society, United Way’s leadership giving recognition group. African American Leadership is made up of those who contribute at $1,000 or more annually through the United Way campaign. The goal of African American Leadership is to strengthen our community by identifying and promoting African Americans who are dedicated to furthering philanthropy. 19. What is Speed Mentoring?African American Leadership's signature project, Speed Mentoring occurs in July of each year. AAL members are given the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions with area high school students who are at risk of not graduating. AAL mentors share their experiences in high school and how education contributed to their success. 20. Why so many events? Can’t United Way make better use of those dollars?United Way uses its events to cultivate new donors and recognize current donors for their contributions. Thanking donors is crucial to maintaining good donor relations. While events do cost money, the dollars raised as a result ultimately exceeds the cost. Event Sponsors and in kind donations make the events possible. View our calendar of events for details on upcoming events. 21. How do I make a gift or pledge?Many companies in the Greenville community are involved with the United Way through employee campaigns. If your company runs a campaign you may simply sign up by asking your campaign coordinator for a Palmetto Society pledge card. If you are not at a company running a campaign, you may call United Way at 467-3333 and a pledge card will be mailed to you or you may go to the pledge online section of this website to make your contributions. 22. What is the New Member Step-Up Challenge?
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