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United Way is advancing the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

The Annual Campaign is the easiest and most powerful way to invest in your community.
Our goal is to create long-lasting change that prevents problems from happening in the first place.

We invite you to be part of the change. Together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

United Way understands how important it is to choose the right organization to donate your hard-earned dollars. As you prepare to make any type of charitable gift, we urge you to follow the simple guidelines below.

View Your Donation as an Investment. Any gift to a charity should be seen as an investment, and you want to invest in a charity that will make a major impact on its recipients while also giving you personal satisfaction. An investment approach to a particular group or cause will ensure a more meaningful experience for you.
Do Your Homework. When selecting where to give, it is important to gather all the facts. Conducting thorough research prior to giving will help you separate legitimate charities from frauds, as well as reassure you that your donation is truly helping those who need it most.
Understand the Tax Benefits of Giving. An added benefit to giving is that most charitable donations are tax-deductible. To receive a tax deduction, you will need the proper documentation when filing your income tax returns. The IRS requires a receipt for each tax-deductible contribution of $250 or more. Depending on the amount or type of your gift, you may need to provide additional documents with your tax form, such as Form 8283 for each non-cash donation exceeding $500.
Decide How You Will Give and How Much. Financial donations are the most popular charitable gifts, but there are other ways to help your favorite cause. Many organizations will accept property and goods, as well as your time. There are many options on how to give, including donating directly online, by mail, through payroll deduction or through a donor-advised fund. Additionally, find out if your employer will match your charitable gift. This will even further maximize your investment.

Track Your Donations. Once you have made your gift, mark your calendar with important dates of your charity’s meetings and key events for the year. These are excellent ways to see your investment at work. Also, be sure to track the dates and amounts you gave payment methods and desired uses for your gift. You should automatically receive a receipt with an acknowledgement of your gift. If you don’t, be sure to follow up.

Tell me how my gift is being invested!

United Way “Hits the Road” to Thank Fairfield Schools Campaigners

United Way President/CEO Merle Berke-Schlessel, accompanied by Fairfield Schools Campaign Chairwoman Shirley Okerblom, took advantage of a beautiful day and “hit the road” in Fairfield recently. Their mission: to personally thank those who worked so hard to ensure the success of the Fairfield Schools Annual United Way Campaign. Those who received special recognition were the principals and campaign coordinators of the following schools: Holland Hill Elementary... more

Life is good Store Features Young Leaders Society

The Life is good Store in Fairfield hosted United Way of Coastal Fairfield County’s Young Leaders Society for one of their regularly scheduled Third Thursday networking events. Rich Cremin, Chief Sales Optimist and Partner shared with the group the history of Life is good and his philosophy on how to be successful as a business and in life. Over 20 Young Leaders enjoyed a wine and cheese reception at the Fairfield store as Rich spoke about Life is good’s core attributes of humility, humor and simplicity. Cremin also spoke about the Life if good Kids Foundation which uses the power of play to help children overcome life threatening challenges. Store Manager Jenny Taylor Franks and other store staff were so impressed with the goals of the Young Leaders... more

RBS Volunteers in a Big Way for Bridgeport Rescue Mission

On Saturday, May 22nd, a team of over 20 RBS Card Services employees jumped into numerous projects at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. The activity was amazing and for their RBS Volunteer Day at the Mission, they painted, planted flowers, worked in the kitchen to make lunch which they proudly served, put together Pantry Boxes, put together furniture (which appears to be a very complicated process !), spray painted metal bed frames … and more! RBS is one of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County's partners and Chairman Circle Corporations. The RBS team enjoyed a great way to connect with their fellow colleagues as well as helping those who in need in our community. Thank you! more

United Way of Coastal Fairfield County

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