The United Way is the granddaddy of corporate giving programs. Originally known as the Charitable Organizations Society and founded in Denver in 1887, the United Way raised more than $4 billion in 2006, up by 2.3 percent from the year before. As an umbrella group, the United Way pools the contributions of thousands of employees that are made directly through payroll deductions. The dollars from annual employee workplace campaigns total $2.64 billion, making up 65 percent of the organization's total revenue, according to the most recent figures; the United Way also collects funds through foundations and targeted individual giving. The money is then distributed to numerous nonprofit organizations nationwide. Many long-established notable organizations such as the Red Cross receive a portion of their funds through United Way contributions.

Donating to the United Way can be like investing in a mutual fund, only you are not looking for a monetary return on your investment. Instead of your money going to one nonprofit, it could be going to any of a number of organizations. You can donate to the United Way and let it choose where to distribute the funds, or you can select where you want your contributions directed. By aligning with numerous organizations and corporations, the United Way has established itself as the premier organization for bringing employees and charities together. Nonprofit groups are eager to get a piece of the billions raised every year, and they apply to the United Way for such consideration.

It is recommended that you contact your local United Way to learn if it is still accepting applications for 501(c)3 nonprofits as designated recipients and what the application process entails. If your organization is accepted, you can then let your constituents know you are a participating United Way organization. They can then set up automatic payroll deductions through their employers to make regular contributions to your organization.