re: What sort of kick backs to corporations get from United Way?

UW stresses to companies not to make employees feel pressured to give. But there are awards given to companies that meet goals for participation levels. I think it is the PR the companies are looking for.

Also, each local UW's determine which charities get the donations. Our receptionist is on the committee that makes the decisions. They visit each organization and attend a board meeting of the group and review their financial statements to determine if the donations are being used as they say they are going to be used. After talking to her about the due diligence they do, I felt much stronger about giving.