Yes, the option of designating to specific agencies is an added service United Way provides to our donors. Agencies must be Canadian registered charities.

United Way retains 10% of the designated gift to recover the costs associated with this service. In the case of one-time cash and cheque designation contributions from individuals, a maximum designation fee of $100 per donor will be withheld. The maximum fee applies to individual donations only.

The 10% cost recovery is based on an estimate of those costs associated with providing the service to donors and their designated agencies. This percentage is inclusive of all the costs related to fundraising and processing of these gifts. The percentage is set for a period of three years and is reviewed on an annual basis.

United Way distributes designated gifts three times per year during the months of February, June and September. Designation payments are issued by cheque or electronic funds transfer no later than the last day of these months.