United Way of Portage County Agency Admission Standards (1999)

United Way of Portage County
Agency Admission Standards (1999)

I. INTRODUCTION

Membership is open to not-for-profit health and human service organizations serving clients within the geographic area of the United Way of Portage County. This chapter identifies the basic eligibility criteria that an agency must meet in order to be considered for United Way membership. In addition, the Allocations Committee reviews each agency taking into consideration such factors as how each agency would enhance the existing United Way package of agencies, current United Way priorities, available United Way dollars, and other economic and environmental factors.

II. THE APPLICATION PROCESS [OMITTED]

III. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The following criteria must be met by agencies wishing to become members of the United Way of Portage County.

A. Agency Constitution & By-Laws

The agency shall have a constitution and/or by-laws which clearly define the agency's purpose and objectives and outlines the duties, authority, and responsibilities of its governing board.

B. Charter of Incorporation & Tax Exempt Status

The agency shall be: incorporated, not for profit; voluntary; exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and in compliance with governmental regulations and reporting requirements by (a) filing an annual not-for-profit corporation registration, (b) obtaining any necessary state sales and use tax exemption, and (c) complying with all other legal requirements.

C. Non-Discrimination Policy & Affirmative Action Statement

The agency shall submit an affirmative action statement and shall operate, by policy and practice, without discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, economic status, cultural heritage or national origin. This shall be true in all respects of the agency's operations, including service to people, selection of board, employment of staff, and purchase of supplies.

D. Two Year Existence

The agency shall have been in operation in the field of health and human service for a minimum of two years prior to applying for United Way affiliation and it may not receive United Way funding until the agency has been a separate legal corporation or the local chapter thereof for at least two years.

E. Necessary Program Licenses

The agency shall have any current licenses required for the service(s) being provided.

F. Certified Audit

The agency shall submit a certified audit, conducted by an independent certified public accountant, for the year previous to the year in which the agency has applied. Subsequent audits shall be in conformance with the appropriate AICPA audit guide.

G. Agency Service Area

The agency shall provide services to persons who either work or live within any area of Portage County.

H. Board Organization

1. The agency shall be governed by a qualified board of a minimum of twelve (12) members, which meets at least quarterly.

2. Board members must serve without compensation. No paid staff of the agency may serve as a voting member of the board.

3. The board shall oversee and approve the development and implementation of the agency's annual operating budget.

4. The board shall have a policy which provides for rotation of its members to assure responsiveness to community needs and requires regular attendance at board meetings.

5. The board shall have a clear definition of, and board members shall avoid, conflicts of interest which would undermine the agency's ability to provide full fiduciary responsibility for the affairs, programs, and finances of the agency. 6. The board shall appoint a qualified administrator whose qualifications and experiences are such that he/she can effectively administer the total program and activities of the agency within the policies set by the board.

7. Board members shall be representative of the community and/or clientele served.

8. In those rare instances where an agency's board plays an advisory role to other organizational boards, United Way requires that the Advisory Board has strong input into the agency's planning process for budget development, program direction and community relations, and has responsibility for oversight of financial, programmatic, and administrative evaluations of the agency.

I. Purpose & Objectives

The agency's purpose and objectives must be in the field of health and human services in order to be eligible for United Way funding. In addition, the agency shall agree that none of the funds allocated by the United Way of Portage County shall be utilized except with respect to the board approved programs/services which are consistent with the purposes and objectives of the organization.

J. Health & Human Service Needs

The agency shall provide services that address one or more demonstrated needs existing within the United Way service area. In addition:

1. Proposed programs should not duplicate the efforts of existing voluntary agencies;

2. Proposed programs may address priority needs as periodically identified by the United Way, but are not restricted to this limited set of recommendations, and;

3. The rationale for the proposed programs must document the need for the services in the area.

K. General Financial Support

The agency shall be able to demonstrate that it can add to the United Way campaign by:

1. Exhibiting the ability to provide one or more services that are of extraordinary benefit to the residents of Portage County.

2. Exhibiting a potential fund raising ability.

L. Personnel Policies

Agencies with employed staff shall have written personnel policies.

M. Fees

Direct service agencies shall maintain and update a sliding fee schedule and, upon request, submit a copy to the United Way.

N. Agencies Not Eligible:

1. Agencies primarily political in nature.

2. Agencies providing services limited to the members of a particular religious or racial group.

3. Agencies existing solely for the presentation of cultural or artistic achievements.

4. Agencies not complying with non-discrimination and affirmative action statements.

5. Basic educational program services considered the mandated responsibility of the public education system.

6. Direct housing services targeted toward the physical development, construction, maintenance, and repair of housing.

O. Financial Condition

The agency shall not have a history of operating deficits, nor shall it project, for the current or subsequent years, an operating deficit.

Copyright (c) 1998-99 United Way of Portage County, Ravenna, Ohio.

Source:
United Way of Portage County -- Agency Admission Standards