Our Public Policy

United Way of America (UWA) is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making measurable impact in every community across America. The United Way movement includes approximately 1,400 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers. Through their funding and community building efforts, United Ways are an integral part of the nation's human services system. United Ways are, in effect, partners with government in the uniquely American blend of public and private investment in service delivery.

Because government is a critical decision-maker and the major provider and funder of health and human services, United Way is dedicated to active engagement in public policy.  United Way works to develop partnerships that include local, state, and federal governments along with the private and nonprofit sectors.  By setting a policy agenda, United Way encourages awareness of and involvement in determining public policy priorities that aim to advance the common good around education, income, health, and nonprofit sector strengthening. 

Public Policy Agenda: 110th Congress, 2nd Session

Current Federal Legislation

High fuel costs undermine volunteers who use their automobiles to serve their communities and make it harder for charities to provide basic services. The negative impact of high gas prices on volunteerism is exacerbated by two problems in current tax law: 1) the rate at which volunteers may deduct the mileage they drive on behalf of charities is fixed at only 14 cents per mile and has not been adjusted since 1998; and 2) volunteers who are reimbursed for mileage by charities are taxed on that reimbursement as if it was income.

To address these problems, United Way of America joined its national partners in seeking bipartisan congressional action. As a result, on August 1, 2008, Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV) introduced S. 3429, the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008. Specifically, the GIVE Act raises the volunteer standard mileage deduction to 70% ($.41) of the standard business rate for those volunteers and makes the rate adjustable in the future. Further, the bill allows volunteers to exclude from income the mileage reimbursements that charities provide them up to the business rate. Both provisions are vitally important ways that Congress can address the high cost of gas and its impact on volunteers.

United Way President and CEO Brian Gallagher said “In this uncertain economic climate, the GIVE Act would lighten the growing financial burden on volunteers who help nonprofits provide crucial services. We hope Congress will act quickly to ensure that volunteers who are engaged in making a difference in their community are no longer faced with having to reduce their level of commitment because of increasing transportation costs.”

Take Action!  Support the GIVE Act.

GIVE Act Press Release

High Fuel Costs Impacts Health and Human Services Nonprofits