According to Charitynavigator.org, the United Way, as a whole, is a pretty decent charity; scoring 65.79 out of a possible 70 points.
Each individual chapter is likewise rated. Some are very good, others not so good.
Our local is rated 58.70. The biggest reason is the CEO's compensation, at $190,000 annually, its .64% of all income.
I can't justify giving to an organization that takes so much off the top. But remember, other chapters do an excellent job and are routinely rated in the upper 60s'.
Even UPS, a company hell-bent to make money, only pays Scott Davis .189% of net income. (including bonuses and stock options) So it seems to me that CEO compensation for a lot of United Way chapters is just too high. More of that money should be helping others.
And since it's my money, I'm going to give to a different charity.