ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

United Way of the National Capital Area Partner Eligibility Criteria

Geographic Presence 

• Must have substantial local presence and programming within United Way NCA’s service region, which includes: 

• • Washington, D.C.

• • Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Fairfax/Falls Church, Prince William, Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper Counties in Virginia.

• • Charles, Calvert, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s Counties in Maryland. 

• Substantial presence is defined as a staffed facility, office, or dedicated space that is: 

• • Open at least 15 hours per week.
  • Accessible to the public.
  • Has a dedicated telephone line.

• The facility may be staffed by volunteers. 

• Organizations with a national or international mission and scope are not eligible. 

Legal Status and Operating History 

• Must be incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with governing documents (e.g., constitution, bylaws). 

• Must have been incorporated for a minimum of three years before applying. 

• Must be recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and not classified as a private foundation under Section 509(a). 

• Must be in good standing with applicable state and federal regulations, including charitable solicitation registrations. 

Governance and Operations 

• Must have an active and responsible governing board of at least three members: 

• • The majority of whom serve without compensation.

• • None of whom have material conflicts of interest.

• Must demonstrate active community programming or services within the previous calendar year. 

Financial Documentation Requirements 

Organizations must submit financial documentation based on their most recently completed fiscal year, with documents dated no earlier than 18 months prior to January 1 of the current calendar year. 

IRS Form 990 

Must submit a signed copy of the most recently completed IRS Form 990 for the fiscal year ending within the allowed 18-month window. 

• If the organization is not required to file a full Form 990, it must submit a signed pro forma version specifically completed for the purpose of applying to United Way NCA. 

Minimum Revenue Threshold 

Must demonstrate at least $50,000 in total revenue from all sources during the most recently completed fiscal year, as reflected in the submitted Form 990. 

Administrative and Fundraising Rate (AFR) 

Must maintain an AFR of less than 25% of total revenue. AFR is calculated using Form 990 as follows: add Line 25, Column C (Management and General Expenses) to Line 25, Column D (Fundraising Expenses) from Part IX, then divide by Line 12, Column A (Total Revenue) from Part VIII. All percentages must be expressed to a tenth of a percent (e.g., 15.7%). 

• If administrative and fundraising costs are not shown in Part IX of the Form 990 and instead appear only in audited financial statements, the audit must clearly indicate those services were donated. Otherwise, the application may be denied. 

Lobbying Activity Limitation 

Organizations must maintain expenses related to lobbying and advocacy within the limits allowed to retain their tax-exempt status under 26 U.S.C. 501(h). 

Audit and Financial Statement Requirements 

Financial documentation requirements are based on your organization’s annual revenue. Refer to the applicable tier below. 

No Audit Required: Organizations with annual revenue of $1,000,000 or less are not required to submit audited or reviewed financial statements. The organization must certify that it has proper financial controls in place and can provide accurate and timely financial information if requested. 

Audit Required: Organizations with annual revenue over $1,000,000 must submit audited financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. The audit must express an unqualified opinion and be conducted by an independent CPA in accordance with GAAS. Cash basis, cash modified, or modified accrual accounting systems are unacceptable.  

Non-Discrimination 

Organizations must have and practice a non-discrimination policy that applies to all aspects of operations, including service delivery. This policy must: 

• Be signed by an officer of the organization. 

• Prohibit discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, or any protected characteristic under law. 

Campaign and Branding Participation 

• Allow United Way NCA to apply on your behalf to the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of the National Capital Area and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC). 

• Certify compliance with CFC participation rules, including anti-terrorism and USA PATRIOT Act provisions. 

• Pay an administrative fee to help offset campaign participation costs: 

• • 9% for federated workplace campaigns.

• • 6% for other campaigns (subject to change annually). 

• Use the “Proud Partner of United Way NCA” logo according to brand guidelines provided by United Way NCA. 

• Set up ACH direct deposit for all scheduled payments. 

Community Engagement Expectations 

• Conduct an in-house United Way campaign among staff, board, or stakeholders when possible. 

• Participate in United Way NCA’s signature events, including our Annual Community Meeting. 

• Certify all responses provided on the online partnership application and submit all required documentation. 

First-Time and Returning Applicants 

• United Way NCA accepts a limited number of new partners each year. 

• New and returning applicants not currently partnered must undergo a pre-screening evaluation based on: 

• • Alignment with United Way NCA’s mission.

• • Contribution to health, education, and economic opportunity in the region. 

• Financial documentation must be submitted before receiving access to the full application. 

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