What does SCUFFY stand for and what does it do?
SCUFFY stands for Shelby County United Fund for You. SCUFFY conducts a financial campaign once a year for the support of twelve social service agencies that serve Shelby County.
Who do SCUFFY agencies serve?
Our twelve agencies serve ALL Shelby county citizens from every walk of life and various income levels. You, or someone you know, has probably participated in programs and benefited from one of our SCUFFY agencies.
Who runs SCUFFY?
SCUFFY is a community-driven organization where local commitment translates into action.
- Community Leadership: Our Board of Directors is a fully volunteer body, made up of local residents who deeply care about our community’s needs and set the strategic direction for SCUFFY.
- The Power of Volunteers: People like you are vital to our mission! Volunteers assist in various compacities to make our annual fundraising campaign a success.
- Professional Support: We maintain a small professional staff—an Executive Director and an Office Manager—who provide the daily stability and administrative backbone needed to support our broad volunteer efforts.
How do I help by giving to SCUFFY?
Through your gift, SCUFFY provides funding to its member agencies for a variety of services in youth activities, health care, services and programs for our Shelby county seniors, domestic violence assistance, emergency assistance, as well as many other family, adult and child related programs. These organizations are continuously responding to meet current and emerging needs in our community. Your gift allows the agencies to both continue and expand their services, improving the quality of life for everyone in Shelby County.
How much of my gift is used to help people?
Of every dollar collected, approximately ninety cents goes to the agencies and their services in Shelby County.
Who decides how much is allocated to each agency?
The Board of Directors and the Executive Director work closely with all of our SCUFFY agencies. Each year they determine how much each agency will receive based on what services are needed and how many people need them as well as inflationary costs and the proposed campaign goal.
Is my contribution tax deductible?
Yes, your gift is tax deductible.
My employer does not conduct an employee campaign because the employees have modest salaries and are not interested (or, I do not contribute to SCUFFY because the amount I can give is too little to make a difference). Why should someone in that situation contribute to SCUFFY?
NO amount is too little! We also find that when people have an opportunity to learn about SCUFFY, they respond, and usually very generously, no matter how much or how little they make. SCUFFY enjoys tremendous regard in our community, and the annual campaign is an opportunity to give individuals and businesses some information and a chance to make a decision to participate in something that is very important to our community. Even a very small donation, when multiplied by many people making it, adds up and makes a difference in SCUFFY’s ability to fund its member agencies.
Does SCUFFY pay dues to the United Way of America?
SCUFFY is an independent United Fund and is not associated with the United Way organization.
I work outside of Shelby County and my employer is participating in a fund drive this fall for the local United Way or United Fund. Can I designate all or a portion of my contribution to go to SCUFFY?
If your employer is conducting a United Way/United Fund campaign, you should be able to request that some or all of your contribution be forwarded to SCUFFY. If your pledge card does not have a place for a donor choice or designation, ask your employer or the local united way or united fund how to designate your contribution.