QUESTION AND ANSWERS

WHAT IS THE UNITED BLACK FUND?

UBF is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution which raises money and distributes it to agencies and organizations serving people in the Black and poor communities of Greater Cleveland.

HOW IS UBF DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FEDERATED SOCIAL SERVICE FUND RAISING PROGRAMS?

UBF is the only coordinated program for fund raising that is intended especially to benefit residents of Cleveland's Black and poor communities.  At UBF services for Black citizens does not have to compete for funds with other general community needs.   Service to Black and poor people is the only priority of UBF.

When you give to UBF you can be sure that your contribution will support services for people in Cleveland's Black communities.

DOES UBF GIVE SERVICE TO INDIVIDUALS?

No. UBF does not provide direct service to individuals.  UBF supports agencies and organizations, which serve individuals.

WHAT KINDS OF AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS CAN OBTAIN MONEY FROM UBF?

UBF grants funds to non-profit, tax-exempt agencies and organizations, which provide services to residents of Cleveland's Black and poor communities.  The services may be concerned with child care, family life, counseling, education, rehabilitation, safety, youth motivation - in fact, the full range of human services.

HOW DOES AN AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION OBTAIN MONEY FROM UBF?

UBF requires grant applications.  Grants are awarded for single year programming.  Eligible organizations submit applications /proposals.  Proposals are reviewed and approved by the UBF Board of Trustees.  Maximum amount per grant is limited to $10,000.00

Application forms are available at the UBF Office, 1621 Euclid Avenue, Suite 830, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115, and Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

WHO GOVERNS UBF?

UBF operates under the direction of a 33 member volunteer Board of Trustees which includes citizens from throughout Greater Cleveland.

WHEN WAS UBF STARTED?

UBF was incorporated in September 1981.  Officers were elected in February 1982 and offices opened in June 1982.

DOES THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZE UBF?

Yes.  UBF is incorporated under the laws of Ohio and is registered with the state as a charitable fund-raising organization.  In addition, the United States Internal Revenue Service has approved tax-exempt status for UBF.

WHERE DOES UBF OBTAIN MONEY?

UBF accepts contributions of any amount from individuals, clubs, organizations, corporations, religious institutions, government agencies - in fact, from any private or public source.

UBF of Greater Cleveland participates in the annual campaign of the United Way Services and receives an allocation of funds.

All contributions are federal income tax deductible.