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Accountability

United Way has developed comprehensive requirements for completion of audited financial statements. The requirements are based on current best practices in our industry as well as generally accepted accounting principles and requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

Click here to view a copy of our most recent complete audited financial report. United Way has also developed requirements for completion of the IRS Form 990 that clarify various areas of ambiguity and establish a single United Way standard for the 990 where the IRS allows for several different approaches.

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Accountability

At United Way of Erie County, we know our success is measured by how well we deliver on our mission to make measurable improvements in our community. We also know the importance of setting high standards for ourselves and for our local partners.

On an annual basis, United Way of Erie County completes a thorough self-evaluation to ensure it meets the following requirements:

  • Be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as well as corresponding provisions of other applicable state and local laws or regulations.
  • File the IRS Form 990 annually in a timely manner and submit a copy to United Way Worldwide.
  • 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 policies and financial resources of the organization.
  • Ensure volunteers and staff broadly reflect the diversity of our community.
  • Undergo an annual audit conducted by an independent certified public accountant whose examination complies with generally accepted auditing standards and GAAP.
  • Annually submit to United Way Worldwide a report of the total resources generated (annual fundraising campaign plus other resources such as in-kind donations and proceeds from special events). This report must be completed according to a policy that ensures an accurate, unduplicated national accounting for the United Way system.
  • Annually submit to United Way Worldwide a report on our income and expenses.

UNITED WAY AUDIT COMMITTEE

Brian Polito, Audit Advisory Committee Chair
Erie's Public Schools

Patricia J. Kennedy
Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett

John A. Lauer
MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton

Katie Ruffa
Northwest Bank

  • Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement: United Way remains an inclusive organization committed to this mission and vision and rejects all forms of prejudice, discrimination, racism and violence.

    Diversity is valuing the differences of ideas, experiences, and individuals without regard to race, religion, color, gender identity, nationality, sexual orientation, physical challenge, or age.

    Erie County is changing. It is becoming more ethnically and culturally diverse; and this diversity brings with it many advantages as well as many challenges. To assure that future generations are able to enjoy the richness of this diversity, we must cultivate opportunities, and encourage more participation throughout all facets of our work and interactions in the community.

    • We believe we are strongest when we are most inclusive.
    • We seek to involve every segment of the community in every aspect of our work.
    • We believe that out of involvement, understanding and commitment will evolve.
    • We are committed to a proactive stance in managing the challenges of the future; in doing so, we will be able to attract new volunteers, new employees, and new donors.

    Our goal is to have our board of directors, management, staff, and volunteers representative of the community and genuinely demonstrate the principles of diversity which enrich our community.

    United Way of Erie County is a local social impact organization on a mission to crush poverty. We envision a collaborative community where all students succeed and all families thrive. United Way of Erie County is a proud signee of the Nonprofit Partnership’s Diversity Equity & Inclusion Pledge.