FAQ

Feel Good About Investing in the United Way of Genesee County

The United Way of Genesee County is led by a volunteer-unpaid Board of Directors of diverse backgrounds. Financial decisions are recommended by a 7 person volunteer-unpaid Finance Cabinet chaired by a UWGC board member. In addition allocation decisions are recommended by a 9 person volunteer-unpaid Community Impact Cabinet chaired by a UWGC board member. Recommendations for both finances and funding decisions are made to the Board of Directors for final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why give to the United Way of Genesee County?
UWGC is at the forefront of many community issues. Our staff spends a great deal of time ensuring the programs we invest your dollars in are high functioning, efficient, with evidence based approaches. When we are able to combine the donations from donors across the county, we can make a strong impact on many community needs. Combining $100 from 10 individual donors suddenly becomes an impact of $1,000 on a need vs a single $100 donation made outside of the campaign. Not only are we able to combine donor gifts, turning them into one significant investment, we are able to leverage other dollars to complement. Capitalizing on corporate giving programs, securing foundation support, and providing matching dollars for government funds; we are able to leverage additional dollars. Last year the UWGC campaign leveraged over $15 million dollars from government grants, corporate matching programs and other competitive funding pools. 
 
Does UWGC have an active Board of Directors that meet regularly?
Yes. The Board is comprised of 22 local community leaders from diverse backgrounds that meet quarterly, with various engagement activities in between.
 
Is the UWGC controlled by United Way Worldwide?
No. UWGC is an independent stand alone 501(c)(3) organization governed by a local board of directors. UWGC is not a chapter of another entity, rather we are a member of United Way Worldwide much like food banks are members of Feeding America. As a member we are required to adhere to certain branding standards, but all decisions are made locally.
 
Do the dollars raised by Genesee and Shiawassee campaigns stay in the county?
Yes. Funds raised in Genesee County stay in Genesee County. Funds raised in Shiawassee County stay in Shiawassee County. The UWGC pays less than 1% of its funds to United Way Worldwide for membership dues.
 
Does the UWGC spend a significant amount of funds raised on salaries and other overhead?
No. The UWGC has an administrative rate of 16%, meaning it spends 84% of funds on programs that support education, financial stability, health and basic needs programming.
 
Does the UWGC CEO make all funding decisions?
No. Where the UWGC has discretion to make funding decisions it involves a volunteer-unpaid Community Impact Cabinet. The Cabinet makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval. Some funds raised by the UWGC are designated by the donor for a specific use. In this case, UWGC CEO and staff ensure the donor's wishes are fulfilled.
 
What happens to dollars I designate to a specific nonprofit via the United Way Campaign?
UWGC pays out designations to 501(c)(3) organizations that have been verified by the IRS on a quarterly basis.
 
Does the Board of Directors review and approve  the  annual  budget  and monthly financial  statements? 
Yes. A volunteer Finance Cabinet makes recommendations to the UWGC Board of Directors that approves all budgets and statements.
 
Does the Board of Directors review and approve the annual audit report, auditor management letters, and IRS Form 990?
Yes. Initially documents are reviewed by the Finance Cabinet which then forwards to the board for final review and approval. Audit reports and IRS Form 990 can be found here.
 
Does the UWGC have ethics and conflict of interest policies?
Yes. UWGC board and staff are required to sign a Code of Ethics and a Conflict of Interest statement annually. Any conflicts are noted on IRS Form 990.
 
Does UWGC have a diversity and inclusion policy?

Yes. UWGC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity.  We therefore:  

  • Value, champion, and embrace diversity in all aspects of UWGC activities and respect others without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin or ancestry, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or status as a qualified disabled or handicapped individual.
  • Support affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs throughout UWGC.
  • Refuse to engage in or tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
Is the CEO's performance and compensation reviewed and approved annually?
Yes. The UWGC board chair leads a group of the board that reviews the CEO's performance and recommends salary adjustments when appropriate for approval by the full board.
 
Does UWGC prohibit providing donor information to third parties?
Yes.