United Way of Southwest Minnesota

“Form 990 reviewed by ceo and office staff. Also available in office for governing body to view.”

“The united way of southwest minnesota employees and representatives are encouraged to promptly, openly and forthrightly disclose any perceived breach of the code of ethics or a reasonable belief that there has been financial fraud or a violation of laws. Each member of the board of directors of the united way of southwest minnesota, upon commencing each term and annually thereafter, shall disclose any and all dualities of interest that may become a conflict of interest. Such disclosure shall include personal or family interests related to the united way of southwest minnesota partner agencies or organizations that are operated by or directly related to the partner agencies. The disclosure shall be on a form adopted by the board. The duty to disclose is an ongoing duty. Each member of the board of directors shall immediately disclose new dualities of interest as they arrive.”

“Ceo compensation: annually the nominating/personnel committee of the united way of southwest minnesota board of directors conducts a review of comparable salaries for the ceo and staff and recommends a salary range for each position to the board of directors. The comparable salary data includes collected information from united way worldwide for similar positions in similar sized organizations, published compensation surveys gathered and compiled by minnesota council of nonprofits, results of surveys gathered by the local chamber of commerce and other local information. The ceo is evaluated by all board members and staff and the information is compiled by the chair of the nominating/personnel committee and is discussed in executive session at the april board meeting. At this meeting, information regarding salary research is considered, as well as performance evaluation information, then salary and benefits are determined for the following fiscal year.”

“Public availability of info: the irs form 990 and the annual report are available for review at the united way of southwest minnesota office. In addition, several key policy documents are available on our website www.unitedwayswmn.org, get to know us tab, public accountability: code of ethics (which includes conflict of interest and whistleblower policies); bylaws; and our annual report (which includes a graph of the annual financial statement). The annual report is also printed and is available to anyone requesting a copy.”

“The united way of southwest minnesota invests donations into our communities primarily through community impact grants. We focus on four key areas: youth opportunity, healthy communities, financial security, and community resilience. Programs that receive funding are carefully selected based on their significant impact on the lives of residents in lincoln, lyon, murray, yellow medicine, and parts of cottonwood, lac qui parle, nobles, and redwood counties in minnesota.”

“Community impact: united way of southwest minnesota is a minnesota nonprofit organization. It is a local autonomous 501(c)(3) organization working to create lasting changes in people's lives and the communities in lincoln, lyon, murray, yellow medicine and portions of cottonwood, lac qui parle, nobles and redwood counties of minnesota. We accomplish this by partnering with non-profit agencies, schools or local units of government that serve people in this area of the state of minnesota and by targeting grants for specific programs that produce outcomes within the areas of yourth opportunity, healthy communities, financial stability, and community resilience. Annually, the united way of southwest minnesota board of directors determines the overall funding level for community impact grants based upon resources gathered during the preceding fund-raising campaign. Qualifying organizations that serve local people are invited to prepare grant proposals that address strategies within the above listed priority areas. Grant applications undergo review through an organized citizen review process (outlined in part iv, schedule i, part 1, line 2). Recommendations are then presented to the united way of southwest minnesota's board of directors for final review and approval. Approved grants become available july 1 of each year. All community impact grants are paid out in quarterly installments.”

“Internal programs: united way of southwest minnesota focuses on health, education, financial stability, hunger, and safety & well-being. The united way success by 6 initiative strives to make sure that all children are ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten. Children who start behind, stay behind. Key strategies include sponsorship of the dolly parton imagination library program which puts quality, age appropriate books into the hands of children (birth - age 5) each month at no cost to their families; preparation and distribution of school readiness kits for all children prior to entering kindergarten; and planning and implementation of literacy building and enhancement programs. Other initiative examples: annual back-to-school supply drives where united way of southwest minnesota provides staff support, volunteers, publicity, and serves as fiscal agent; and united way staff organize and recruit volunteers for targeted community projects, i.e. Days of action, food collection, and volunteer reading efforts. Initiatives are developed or supported when united way of southwest minnesota identifies a gap or need that is significant enough to take action.”