A look at non profit standards

Last week the United Way board spent most of a day involved in an intensive self assessment. The activities focused on our continuing evolution from a fund raising organization to a community impact organization and on our adherence to United Way of America standards of excellence.

At the end of the day we had identified both progress and additional challenges - a reasonable expectation for a self assessment. The self assessment was itself a requirement of our membership in United Way of America. Annually, we must file a statement of accountability and additional reports and documents in order to maintain our affiliation with the United Way system.

Through the end of this week, our United Way is accepting applications from local non profits for certification status. In this process, we ask organizations providing human services in Madison County that wish to be certified to meet a set of standards similar to those we provide to United Way of America. Certification is generally granted for a three-year period, provided the ongoing reporting requirements are met.

Certification is not a guarantee of funding, but it is required in order to submit a funding request and to be included as a designation option in the annual campaign. Through this process, United Way can provide reasonable assurance to donors that the organizations that are supported with their dollars are well-managed, fiscally responsible and are providing services that address local community needs.

There are six sections that include a total of 15 standards. Five standards are included in the mission and corporate structure category. These require that an organization show that it is operating with an intentional and appropriate mission, meets federal and state requirements for non profit status, and adheres to applicable laws and regulations. Parts two, three and four cover board governance, financial management and human resources management.

The largest section of the standards is parts five and six: programming and other requirements that outline ongoing reporting and partnership requirements. These standards ask that the organization demonstrate that it is providing services that are safe, appropriate, accessible to its target population, does not discriminate, is publicly accountable, works to address current and emerging community needs, assesses its outcomes, and works in partnership with United Way and others to improve lives.

Once certified, organizations are asked to report three times each year to provide updated board, financial and programming information. Currently, 20 organizations are certified by United Way of Madison County and one is on probationary status pending internal developmental outcomes.

The United Way of Madison County board takes its fiduciary role on behalf of donors seriously. Many hours are spent by volunteers in the development and assessment of these standards, and I am always amazed by the dedication that is demonstrated them to provide the best assessment for this community.

All of the standards are available at www.unitedwaymadisonco.org. The deadline for certification submission is 4 p.m. Friday, May 30.