There is an article floating around about United Way and Planned Parenthood Funding. An Article in Forbes Magazine lists 68 United Ways across the country that seemingly support Planned Parenthood; however, what the article does not tell you is that most of these United Ways, including United Way of Kitsap County do not directly support Planned Parenthood. In reference to United Way of Kitsap County, the only dollars that have gone to Planned Parenthood are dollars that donors have designated to Planned Parenthood. As Paul Harvey used to say, “For the rest of the Story” read on.

Planned Parenthood Funding

Planned Parenthood of Bremerton and United Way of Kitsap County (UWKC) do not have an affiliation. Contributors to United Way have always had the choice to direct their contributions to any 501(c)3 not-for-profit, including Planned Parenthood.

Each United Way is a separate, independent organization with its own local Board of Directors. We do not encourage donors to give to Planned Parenthood and if asked we encourage donors to give directly to Planned Parenthood if that is their charity of choice. Other local United Ways may have current or former affiliations with Planned Parenthood.

Funding of Abortions

United Way of Kitsap County does not provide funding to programs that provide abortion services.

The United Way board of directors reviews all available community input and sets priorities for the allocation of United Way donor non-designated dollars and establishes our funding decisions. UWKC has, since 2010, set funding priorities based in part from the results of the Kitsap Community Health Priorities process. KCHP is a comprehensive community assessment process conducted by and in collaboration with United Way, Kitsap Public Health District, Harrison Medical Center, the Kitsap Community Foundation, Kitsap County Human Services Division with community input from local organizations and citizens who help guides the process and help set community priorities for funding.

Any agency program seeking funding must respond to the identified target priorities.

The UWKC board of directors reviews and approves annual funding based on community priorities and allocates grants to agencies from donor non-designated dollars for established funding decisions.

UWKC is the donor’s partner in making sound investments in our community to maximize impact. While giving to United Way has the most impact, UWKC makes it possible for donors to exercise their option and right to designate some or all of their contribution to any 501(c)3 of their choosing.

UWKC recognizes that abortion is an issue that stimulates strong emotions in our community. UWKC has a legal and moral obligation to continue to honor the wishes of donors who designate their own contributions to organizations that provide family planning services from a variety of perspectives.

To find out more about United Way of Kitsap County, including how you can find help, how to volunteer, and all the latest information on how United Way serves our community, please visit our website at www.unitedwaykitsap.org.

David Foote is executive director for United Way of Kitsap County.