ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

United Way of the National Capital Area 2022-2023 Partner Eligibility Criteria

1. In order to be included for nonprofit partnership with United Way of the National Capital Area for the 2022-2023 partnership and campaign year, an organization must meet all eligibility requirements, as described below. A nonprofit organization’s affiliation or partnership with United Way NCA is at the sole discretion of United Way NCA, and we reserve the right to exclude from partnership any organization that fails to demonstrate and maintain sound organizational management practices, adequate capacity to deliver programs and services, or appropriate stewardship of resources.
2. Have substantial local presence and programming in the geographic area covered by the United Way NCA service and campaign footprint, which includes Washington, DC; Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax/Falls Church, Prince William, Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper Counties in Virginia; and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland. Substantial local presence is defined as a staffed facility, office or portion of a residence dedicated exclusively to that organization, available to partners of the public seeking its services or benefits. The facility must be open at least 15 hours a week and have a telephone dedicated exclusively to the organization. The office may be staffed by volunteers. (United Way NCA does not accept partnership from organizations with a national or international mission and scope).
3. Be an incorporated not-for-profit and have a registered constitution and/or bylaws. The organization must have been incorporated for a minimum of three years prior to January 1st of the application year (i.e. incorporation date prior to January 1, 2019).
4. Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as tax-exempt under 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and have been notified by the IRS that the organization is not a private foundation as defined in Section 509 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
5. Be able to demonstrate and document community programming and activities for the 2021 calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
6. Have an active and responsible governing board of three or more, whose members have no material conflict of interest and a majority of whom serve without compensation, which directs the organization.
7. Provide a copy of the most recently completed and signed IRS Form 990 covering the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2022 (i.e. ending on or after June 30, 2020). If the organization is not required to file a full IRS Form 990 with the IRS, a proforma version must be completed and signed specifically for the purpose of application to United Way of the National Capital Area.
8. Maintain an administrative and fundraising rate (AFR) of less than 35% of total revenue. The AFR represents the percentage of dollars spent on administrative a nonprofit. It is calculated as a percentage of the organization’s total support and revenue, as reported on the IRS Form 990, by adding the amount in Part IX (Statement of Functional Expenses), Line 25, Column C (Management and General Expenses) to the amount in Line 25, Column D (Fundraising Expenses), and dividing the total sum by Part VIII (Statement of Revenue), Line 12, Column A (Total Revenue). No other method may be used to calculate the overhead rate percentage. All percentages must be listed to the tenth of a percent (e.g. 15.7%). (Organizations which do not reflect administrative and fundraising expenses in the Statement of Functional Expenses of the IRS Form 990, resulting in a 0% rate, but show such expenses on the audited financial statement will be denied unless the audited financial statements specifically state that these services were donated.)
9. Demonstrate that the organization has generated at least $50,000 in revenue from all sources during the most recently completed fiscal year. This must be reflected in the submitted IRS Form 990.
10. If the nonprofit’s annual revenue is $250,000 or greater, provide audited financial statements for the organization covering the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2022 (i.e. ending on or after June 30, 2020). The audit must express an unqualified opinion and must be conducted by an independent Certified Public Accountant in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). Cash basis, cash modified, or modified accrual basis of accounting are unacceptable. Compilations and/or reviews are unacceptable. Combined consolidated financial statements are not accepted unless the applicant’s financial information is reflected in a stand-alone audited financial statement or consolidating schedule.
11. If the nonprofit’s annual revenue is $100,000 or greater, but less than $250,000, provide audited or reviewed financial statements for the organization covering the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2022 (i.e. ending on or after June 30, 2020). The audit must express an unqualified opinion and must be conducted by an independent Certified Public Accountant in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). The review must be in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued by the accounting and Review services Committee of the AICPA. The conclusion of the review must state that there are no material modifications that should be made to the financial statements in order for them to be in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Cash basis, cash modified, or modified accrual basis of accounting are unacceptable.
12. If the nonprofit’s annual revenue is less than $100,000 be able to certify that it has controls in place to ensure funds are properly accounted for and that it can provide accurate timely financial information to interested parties.
13. Maintain expenses connected with lobbying activities and/or activities attempting to influence voting or legislation at the local, state or federal level within the limitations which allow them to be classified as a tax-exempt charity under 26 U.S.C. 501(h).
14. Have a policy and demonstrate a practice of non-discrimination as it relates to the operation of the organization, including service delivery, on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental health, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected by law. All applicant organizations must submit a copy of their non-discrimination policy as described above, signed by an officer of the organization. The policy must include those classifications listed above.
15. United Way NCA holds up inclusiveness, diversity, and equity as part of our core values. Our mission is to empower individuals to achieve their full potential to lead a better life. All approved partners must:
16. Have a public statement or declaration of your organization’s commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities.
17. Conduct an annual racial equity training for all board members and staff completed by the end of the partner year (June 30, 2023 for partner year 2022-2023).
18. Develop and use of racial equity as one of the criteria in making community investments.
19. Affirm that the applicant organization prioritizes diversity and inclusion and that it will seek out, welcome and build upon the diversity and the positive attributes that exist within the communities served. This includes ensuring that all services are accessible to all individuals and that the organization demonstrates an understanding of, respect for, and responsiveness to the home culture and language of the individuals and families served. We advocate community impact strategies be grounded in community data, meaningful community engagement, and research-based solutions.
20. Comply with applicable federal, state and municipal laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with individual state registration requirements for charitable solicitation.
21. Allow United Way NCA to apply to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of the National Capital Area and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) on behalf of the nonprofit organization.
22. Certify compliance with regulatory requirements for participation in the 2022 Combined Federal Campaign, including provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and anti-terrorism measures.
23. To assist in covering expenses United Way NCA incurs with representation, marketing, and the processing of donor designations received by the nonprofit network participating in both public and private sector workplace campaigns, United Way NCA charges an administrative fee of 9% for federated campaigns and 6% for other relevant campaigns within United Way NCA’s campaign footprint*.
24. Upon partnership approval, all organizations must set up ACH direct deposit with United Way NCA for all scheduled payments.
25. Use the “Proud Partner of United Way of the National Capital Area” logo in accordance with specified co-branding requirements and United Way brand guidelines. These guidelines and logos can be found on our website.
26. United Way NCA nonprofit organizations are encouraged to conduct an in-house United Way campaign among staff, board partners or other stakeholders.
27. Actively participate and partner around United Way NCA signature events and activities such as Do More 24, Project Community Connect, and United Way NCA Annual Community Meeting.
28. Nonprofit organizations must be able to meet all certifications listed on the annual online nonprofit partnership application.

*Subject to annual change.

Special notes to eligibility criteria:

New organizations: United Way NCA will only be able to accept a limited number of new organizations for nonprofit partnership each year. First-time applicants and nonprofits from previous years will undergo an evaluation process based on the degree to which they meet the stated criteria as well as their contributions to improving the health, education, and financial stability of their constituents in the greater Washington area. They will be required to submit financial documentation for their organization as part of the evaluation process before being granted access to the online application. This does not apply to organizations that are partners for the current partnership and campaign year.

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