United Way Information

Participating in Fairmont State University’s United Way campaign is a powerful way for the Fairmont State community to come together and show that we are committed to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for all the people who live and work in our community.

The Fairmont State community recognizes that United Way occupies a unique role among all the nonprofits in the area: the organization is changing the odds for families and communities by working toward lasting solutions, not short-term charity, focusing on education, financial stability, and health – the building blocks for a good life. 

United Way gets results by bringing people and organizations together to create innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in our region. 

Last year, contributions from Fairmont State University faculty and staff helped serve over 35,000 individuals.

Through its annual fund-raising campaign, the Tygart Valley United Way helps support 30 health and human service agencies. These agencies do not have the resources to mount elaborate fund-raising campaigns on their own; therefore, their survival is dependent on the funds they receive from the United Way. Each year, these agencies’ services impact the lives of thousands of individuals who need a helping hand. 

The United Way, in cooperation with Fairmont State, is authorized to administer the West Virginia State Employees Combined Campaign for University faculty, staff, and students. The United Way campaign is the only philanthropy that the institution commits to each year. The campaign is the only charity that is allowed to solicit from employees on campus.

Contributions that are not designated for specific agencies on employee pledges are allocated to the 30 agencies according to the recommendations of a 40 member Community Review Committee. Committee members make their recommendations after spending weeks visiting each agency, and reviewing services and financial operations. Final approval of the recommendations is made by the United Way volunteer Board of Directors.

No. No donor dollars go to United Way Worldwide programming. Every dollar raised here, stays here.

The local United Way administrative overhead is approximately 11.4 percent, a percentage cost much less than when member agencies do separate fund-raising.

Return your pledge form to your unit Team Captain.

The campaign is coordinated through the Career Services Center with the support of the President’s Office.