Mesa United Way Inc.

“The audit committee reviews the form 990 which is prepared by the independent accounting firm. Based on their review, the audit committee recommends acceptance or rejection of the form 990 to the executive committee. A motion to accept or reject the form 990 is then made to the general board along with audit committees recommendations. A copy of the form 990 is provided to the governing body prior to filing. Once accepted, the tax preparer is notified to finalize and file the form 990.”

“All transaction and vendor negotiations are conducted at arms length. Three competing bids are required for any potential expenditure over $3,000. Board members that are related parties to any transaction are not allowed to vote on that transaction.”

“Board of directors forms a search committee made up of board members and non-members. The search committee reviews demographic data for compensation levels of ceo's in similar sized organizations. The search committee recommends a compensation level to the executive committee, who then approves and submits to the entire board for a vote. The last compensation review/update process was completed in 2015. For compensation for all other positions in the organization, ceo reviews demographic data for compensation levels for similar positions in similarly sized organizations. Board members may be consulted, but board approval is not required. The compensation review process was last undertaken in 2015.”

“Audited financial statements and 990 are posted on the website. Key financial data is published in annual report to the public. Conflict of interest policy and list of board of directors are also published on the organizations website.”

“Agency allocations: mesa united way's community investment process empowers people who live or work in mesa to help invest community chest contributions where they matter most. Volunteers from mesa schools, companies, churches, and neighborhoods work in teams, visiting each agency in their area of interest to see first-hand how lives are being changed. They ask in-depth questions about the organization to determine its financial health, client outcomes and areas in need of improvement. Once the visits have been completed, the teams make recommendations for funding to mesa united way's board of directors. In many cases, funding is increased over the previous year to help the agency better serve the needs of the community. Sometimes, however, the volunteers determine that the money would be better spent in a different program or agency, and recommend reducing or eliminating funding. The result is an assurance that donor contributions are spent wisely, and in a manner that has miximum positive impact on the people of mesa. With the community chest dollars, over 35 social service agencies provide 60 programs to deliver services that enable children to live in a safe environment, succeed in school and become responsible, contributing adults; programs that provide safe shelter, food and other services to mesa residents facing unforeseen hardships; programs that enable people with special needs and disabilities to live up to their fullest potential; programs that help frail elderly people and those suffering alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.”

“Community impact: the community impact program is responsible for carrying out mesa united way's mission. This program brings mesa united way staff together with volunteers, agencies, and companies in mesa to help members of our community lead better, more self-sufficient lives. Community impact is accomplished through funding agency and grant programs, developing and executing initiatives and building relationships between community members. Current initiatives are: volunteer income tax assistance, a program designed to assist low-income families and individuals with income tax return preparation; operation second wind, an americorps program designed to increase the capacity of member agencies to provide direct services to those in need; more for mesa, an americorps vista program designed to link willing, skilled, adults with city, school, and non-profit needs at a compensation level that is well-below market rate; read on mesa, a program designed to put books in the hands of underpriveliged children throughout the community; kids in philanthropy, a program which introduces fifth and sixth grade children to the importance of charitable giving and the important work being performed by our partner agencies.”

“Community awareness (communications): the marketing and communications program is responsible for developing ideas and concepts that will educate the community about mesa united way with the intention of inspiring people to volunteer and donate. This is done through the creation of marketing materials that explain mesa united way's vision, mission, accomplishments, and goals.”

“Vita donated services adjustment: program service expenses -76,300. Management and general expenses 0. Fundraising expenses 0. Total expenses -76,300.”

“Change in value of interest in charitable remainder trusts -6,451.”

“The organization has not changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year.”