Accountability

Every donor wants to make sure their contribution is used to better the community. In order for that to happen, non-profit organizations must have practices in place to ensure that each dollar is invested properly and that the organization is working efficiently and effectively.

United Way of Allen County has policies and practices in place to make certain that all monies invested through United Way are accounted for and used wisely.

These practices include:

• Local volunteers make all funding policies and decisions, including those pertaining to accountability
• Organization is in full compliance with strict United Way of America standards and guidelines (documentation available upon request)
• Respected accounting firm regularly audits its financial records; audit and most recent 990 available on our website (unitedwayallencounty.org)
• Adheres to Better Business Bureau standards (documentation available upon request)
• Comprehensive finance manual outlining strict internal control practices. The Board of Directors updates this manual every year.

While UWAC pays dues to maintain its membership to United Way of America, it remains a local, autonomous organization. Regrettably, the fraudulent practices at the national United Way in the early 1990's undertaken by its then leader, William Aramony, cast a shadow on the financial practices of the entire family of the more than 1,300 local United Ways in the United States. Additionally, there have been other cases of financial impropriety uncovered in a small number of other United Ways.

It is important to note that United Way of Allen County has never been accused of, nor found to have engaged in, any fraudulent financial practices. The community should take pride in UWAC's long-standing record of financial efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

To further its commitment to accountability, UWAC has entered into a partnership with the Better Business Bureau of Northeastern Indiana to streamline standards of accountability for itself and its agency partners. Donors will be able to see which Allen County non-profit agencies, including those under the United Way umbrella, meet BBB standards.