The basic criteria by which the eligibility of organizations is determined are reflected in the following sixteen "assurances." These assurances are reviewed and reaffirmed by all organization each year as a part of any application for funding.
Assurance No. 1:
The applicant agency has the legal authority to apply for United Way assistance and has the financial capability to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the program/project described in its application for program funding.
Assurance No. 2:
The applicant organization is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an organization exempt from Federal income taxes pursuant to 26 USC 501(c)(3) and contributions thereto are tax-deductible pursuant to 26 USC 170; further, the organization has been in existence as a 501(c)(3) organization for at least three (3) years by the date of this certification.
Assurance No. 3:
The applicant organization is directed by an active and responsible governing body whose members have no material conflict-of-interest and a majority of which serve without compensation.
Assurance No. 4:
The applicant organization has the primary purpose of being a health and/or human services agency.
Assurance No. 5:
The applicant organization has a "direct and substantial local presence" within the city of Mesa, Arizona.
Assurance No. 6:
The applicant organization prohibits the sale or lease of its contributor lists and does not permit payments of commissions, finders' fees, percentages, bonuses or similar practices in connection with its fundraising activities.
Assurance No. 7:
The applicant organization conducts publicity and promotional activities based upon its actual program and operations. These activities are truthful and non-deceptive in all material respects and make no exaggerated or misleading claims.
Assurance No. 8:
The applicant organization has a written, board-approved policy regarding the practice of non-discrimination to the extent required by law and against persons who are served, against employed staff, or against members of the governing body.
Assurance No. 9:
The applicant organization accounts for its funds and financial activity in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Assurance No. 10:
The applicant organization has submitted to United Way its most recent accurate financial documents, including (but not necessarily limited to) its IRS Form 990 (including relevant notes and supplemental schedules) and its annual registration as a charitable organization (if required by law) with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona. Furthermore, the organization is neither delinquent nor late in the filing of any financial accounting as required by State or Federal law.
Assurance No. 11:
The applicant organization was audited for the immediately preceding fiscal year in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) by an independent certified public account and a complete copy of such audit--together with any associated "management letter" authored by the auditor--has been submitted to United Way. (Note: Organizations with gross revenues of less than $100,000 may provide a "financial review," performed by a certified public accountant, in lieu of an audit.)
Assurance No. 12:
In the immediately preceding fiscal year, the applicant organization has expended 25% or less of its total revenue and financial support on management and general expenses, including fundraising.
Assurance No. 13:
The applicant organization has a written, board-approved policy establishing a "code of ethics" and defining "conflicts-of-interest" for members of the governing board and employees in general, a copy of which will be provided to United Way upon request.
Assurance No. 14:
The applicant organization has a written, board-approved policy regarding "whistle blowing," defining and protecting the rights of employees as required by law, a copy of which will be provided to United Way upon request.
Assurance No. 15:
No officers, directors or other organization affiliated with the applicant organization (including subsidiaries, partners, or parent organizations) support or engage in terrorist or violent activity prohibited by law.
Assurance No. 16:
The application organization has not provided--nor will it provide--financial, technical, in-kind, or material support or resources to any individual or entity, or agency thereof, known to advocate, plan, sponsor, or engage in terrorist or violent activity. Furthermore, the applicant organization takes responsible steps to ensure that its funds and resources are not used by itself or by any organization to which its funds or resources may be regranted, distributed or processed, to support terrorists or terrorist organizations, including prohibited persons on any "watch list" published by the government of the United States of America.