Welcome to the Yuba-Sutter United Way

FAQs

What is the

United Way?

United Way is America ’s Number 1 Charity. United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. More than 1,350 local

United Ways

raise and invest significant resources to build strong, healthy communities. In 2004-05, the

United Way

system raised $3.86 billion in current year support (an increase of 0.7% over 2003-2004), making it the nation’s single largest private charity.

Who decides where the money goes?

Donations to the

Yuba-Sutter United Way

are shared among the more than twenty local non-profit agencies that serve our community’s children, families, and individuals. Their funded activities address community needs in the areas of education, health, safety and self-sufficiency.

Revenue
In 2003-2004,

United Ways

across the nation generated $4.05 billion in total revenue to help America 's communities address their most critical issues. The resources raised include $3.59 billion in revenue from the annual campaign and other gifts such as planned gifts, gifts to initiatives, corporate sponsorships, and government grants. In addition,

United Ways

mobilize more than a million volunteers annually in communities nationwide. Locally the

Yuba-Sutter United Way

raises over $600,000 for our community through our campaigns and grant awards.

United Ways ensure that each organization in which they invest is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity governed by volunteers, and that it submits to an annual, independent financial audit, provides services at a reasonable cost, and maintains a policy of non-discrimination. For more information about our community partners and their programs please see Member Agencies.

How do we know our donation is being well-managed?

The

Yuba-Sutter United Way

is governed by a local board of more than two-dozen directors with personal and business ties to the community. Because of our history and reputation only

United Way

is invited to process the charitable campaigns for local businesses as well as our local, state and federal government employees. The bulk of the funds raised in our annual campaign come from employee payroll deduction although there are substantial donations from local businesses, individual donors, and special events.

How are United Ways held accountable?
At each of the more than

1300 United Ways

, we know our success is measured by how well we deliver on our mission to make measurable improvements in our communities. And we know the importance of setting high standards for ourselves and for our local partners. New membership standards were implemented for

United Ways

in 2003 and enhance the level of accountability and transparency in local operations. Annually, all

United Ways

must certify to

United Way

of America their adherence to these requirements.

United Ways must:

Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as well as from corresponding provisions of other applicable state, local or foreign laws or regulations. United Ways must file IRS Form 990 annually in a timely manner.
Large United Ways
will submit their entire IRS Form 990 to
United Way
of America annually.
Comply with all other applicable legal local, state, and federal operating and reporting requirements (e.g., nondiscrimination, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, USA Patriot Act).
Have an active, responsible, and voluntary governing body, which ensures effective governance over the policies and financial resources of the organization.
Adhere to a locally developed and adopted statement to ensure volunteers and staff broadly reflect the diversity of the community they serve.
Represent itself as a
United Way
in accordance with all
United Way
of America trademark standards and requirements.
Support the
United Way
system by providing financial support to
United Way
of America according to the membership investment formula.
Adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff which includes provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure. All large
United Ways
will submit a copy of their code of ethics to
United Way
of America .
Undergo an annual audit conducted by an independent certified public accountant whose examination complies with generally accepted auditing standards and GAAP. United Ways with annual revenue totaling less than $100,000 may have their financial statements reviewed by an independent accountant.
Large United Ways
will submit their audited financial statements to
United Way
of America annually.
Conduct every three years a volunteer-led self-assessment of their community impact work, financial management, and organizational governance and decision making.
Annually submit to
United Way
of America a report of the total resources generated (annual fundraising campaign plus other resources such as in-kind donations and proceeds from special events). This report must be completed according to a policy that ensures an accurate, unduplicated national accounting for the
United Way
system.
Biennially submit to
United Way
of America a report on
United Way
income and expenses.
If managing donor designated gifts, the fees charged, if any, will be based on actual expenses. If receiving designated gifts from another
United Way
organization, will not deduct fundraising or processing fees.