Over the past 48 years more than 90 communities across the country, both large and small, have established UAFs. Unlike United Way, no two UAFs are exactly alike. They are custom-made to meet the unique needs and resources of the communities which they serve. While UAFs are different, they do share some common characteristics.

Most UAFs are also the local arts agency for their community.

UAFs are often initiated by local business leaders seeking to minimize the number of individual funding requests and ensure that arts organizations meet standards of quality and financial stability.

UAFs primarily raise unrestricted operating support for the organizations that they fund, though many also raise funds for special projects or to address specific issues within the community (e.g. marketing, stabilization, arts education).

UAFs generally have a broad-based board of directors composed of community leaders who are able to engage in one-on-one fundraising. About this report: During winter 1997, Americans for the Arts sent surveys to 70 UAFs to collect detailed data about their 1996 fundraising campaigns, revenues and expenditures and programming. This report is based on responses from 59 of the UAFs- an 84 percent rate of compliance.

During winter 1997, Americans for the Arts sent surveys to 70 UAFs to collect detailed data about their 1996 fundraising campaigns, revenues and expenditures and programming. This report is based on responses from 59 of the UAFs- an 84 percent rate of compliance.