United Way Announces Open Certification Period

ANDERSON, IN - United Way of Madison County has announced an open certification period May 1 through 4 p.m. Friday, May 29, 2009 for non profit health or human service organizations serving Madison County.  Agencies that receive certification may receive donor directed designations through the annual United Way campaign and apply for program funding from United Way.

Certification involves the submission of materials that substantiate that the agency meets 15 standards of operation.  Materials that are submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by the United Way’s Community Impact Committee to determine compliance with standards and whether certification should be granted. Agencies submitting materials will be notified of results of the certification process at the end of July.

While certification is a basic requirement for an agency to be able to submit a request for funding, it does not guarantee funding for any of that agency’s programs. Funding is determined through a request for proposal process. 

Currently 19 local agencies have been certified through 2010. Certification is typically granted for a three-year period with agencies agreeing to adhere to ongoing reporting and performance requirements.  Materials necessary to apply for certification are available on United Way’s Web site at www.unitedwaymadisonco.org. For more information, contact United Way of Madison County at 765-643-7493.

The United Way Certification Standards, revised December, 2007 are as follows:

• Standard 1: Has a clearly stated purpose and functions as a health and human services organization that offers programs and provides such services.
• Standard 2: Is eligible to receive charitable contributions which are tax deductible.
• Standard 3: Is in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State.
• Standard 4: Has written Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
• Standard 5: Conforms to all applicable government requirements or regulations.
• Standard 6: Is governed effectively by a voluntary board of directors/advisory board.
• Standard 7: The governing/advisory body demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
• Standard 8: Has clear lines of authority and responsibility.
• Standard 9: All staff are qualified and competent to perform their assigned duties.
• Standard 10: Has human resources policies that detail staff responsibilities, rights, and benefits.
• Standard 11: Operates accessible health & human service programs within the UWMC service area.
• Standard 12: The agency demonstrates stability of operation and continuity of service, and accountability to the public.
• Standard 13: The agency responds effectively to existing and emerging community needs, as defined by United Way, other key community organizations, or through the agency's own documented experience.
• Standard 14: The agency has well-defined, measurable outcomes that are monitored and used by executive staff and the board to evaluate and improve programs and make indicated program changes.
• Standard 15: The agency is an excellent United Way of Madison County Partner in meeting both the spirit and letter of the member agency and funding agreements.

United Way of Madison County supports human services throughout Madison County, Indiana and is governed by a 24 member volunteer board of directors. The organization has been a member in good standing of United Way of America since 1973. For more information, contact 765-643-7493 or visit our Web site at www.unitedwaymadisonco.org.