What our members are saying...

I am in Kentucky and our State organization is one of the best. They are actively involved in Public Policy, which is so crucial in this environment. They are also very strong on members services. In Kentucky most of the United Way's see themselves as part of a network, not a stand alone organization. We share resources and expertise which I don't think would happen if we didn't have a strong State organization. They bring all the players together, and encourage inter-relatedness, and inter-dependence. Staying connected to other United Way's has been invaluable. I never feel like I have to invent the wheel or start any project or initiative from scratch. Our state organization knows what is going on with the United Way's across the state and the country, and can usually point me in the right direction.

Our State organization is also great in deciphering the endless stream of info from UWA. They break it down into manageable bites and are wonderful at keeping us informed of issues and opportunities. There is so much information that flies before my eyes, it is nice to know if I do miss something, our State organization will usually catch it.

Our dues are relatively low to the State organization and worth every penny! I've been with the system for 11 years and I would be very frustrated if I didn't have our State organization as a resource. I think most of the United Way's in Kentucky would agree that this model works for us, and we feel very fortunate in having a strong State organization.

Susan Asher
Elizabethtown KY
United Way of Central Kentucky

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News & views is wonderful! I’ve read it before but for sure, I’ll never miss another one!!! Your hard work makes ours much easier & you’re appreciated more than you’ll ever know.
Janie B. Pass
Executive Director
Heart of Kentucky United Way

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Terry,
Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality and providing such an informative meeting for us last week.  As a new staff member I can assure you that I found all the presentations informative and extremely helpful.  Thanks for caring about people the way you do.
Kathy O. Christie
Director of Community Services
United Way of the Ohio Valley

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Just this week I was asked if I ever got anything from these council sessions. My reply was that I have never gone that I didn’t bring something back with me! I’m so glad that there is a network of this nature out there and that we have the opportunity to learn from each other as well as learn from the experts in the business. You and your staff do a tremendous job in pulling all of this together, working with so many schedules and interests. And the networking is invaluable. I always come back to Henderson tired, but ready for action!
M'Lea Peak
Executive Director
United Way of Henderson County

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Terry, Kevin & Mike,
I couldn’t let the opportunity go without giving you folks the biggest cheer you’ll ever get & a huge, huge THANK YOU!!!!. I’ve always been your advocate but without doubt Thursday & Friday was incredibly special & informative. I feel so lucky to work here knowing your support is there for anything/everything I need.
Liz came away saying she’d never experienced the sense of cohesiveness, togetherness, respect for and real affection that was obvious in those two days together. We’re on a mission & we’ll get there one way or the other, but we don’t/won’t have to do it alone & that’s the special part….
Thank you for all you do & will do in the future. I could not do here what I do without you & I doubt anyone in the state feels any different.  I’m truly blessed to have you & the entire professional group a part of my life.
Thanks, dear people & know you just got a big hug from Heart of Kentucky United Way in Danville, KY.
Janie B. Pass
Executive Director
Heart of Kentucky United Way

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Increasing revenue, decreasing overall costs and improving effectiveness is why I feel it is important for United Way of Southern Kentucky to continue our partnership with the United Way of Kentucky. KECC is twice the amount of our annual membership dues thus all the services we receive from United Way of Kentucky related to efficiency, best practices, marketing, public relations and the many other areas is a true bonus.
Doug Eberhart
Executive Director
United Way of Southern KY

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Membership Accountability

United Way of America requires that all United Ways annually certify that they adhere to specific requirements for membership in order to enhance the level of accountability and transparency in operations of the United Way system.

United Ways must:

  • Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as well as from cooresponding provisions of other applicable state, local or foreign laws or regulations. United Ways must file IRS form 990 annually in a timely manner. Large United Ways will submit their entire IRS Form 990 to United Way of America (UWA) annually. 
  • Comply with all other applicable legal local, state, and federal operating and reporting requirements (e.g., nondiscrimination, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, USA Patriot Act)
  • Have an active, responsible, and voluntary governing body, which ensures effective governance over the polices and financial resources of the organization.
  • Adhere to a locally developed and adopted statement to ensure volunteers and staff broadly reflect the diversity of the of the community they serve.
  • Represent itself as a United Way in accordance with all UWA trademark standards and requirements.
  • Support the United Way system by providing financial support to United Way of America according to the membership investment formula.
  • Adhere to a locally developed and adopted code of ethics for volunteers and staff which includes provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices and full and fair disclosure. All large United Ways will submit a copy of their code of ethics to UWA..
  • Undergo an annual audit conducted by an independent certified public accountant whose examination complies with generally accepted auditing standards and GAAP. United Ways annual revenue totaling less than $100,000 may have their financial statements reviewed by an independent accountant. Large United Ways will submit their audited financial statements to UWA annually.
  • Conduct every three years a volunteer-led self-assessment of their community impact work, financial management, and organizational governance and decision making.
  • Annually submit to UWA a report of the  total resources generated. This report must be completed according to a policy that ensures an accurate unduplicated national accounting for the United Way system.
  • Biennially submit to United Way of America a report on United Way income and expenses.
  • If managing donor designated gifts, the fees charged, if any, will be based on actual expenses. If receiving designated gifts from another United Way organization, will not deduct fundraising or processing fees.