Accountability Matters . . . . . .

Accountability is more than finances and control. It’s about how well we deliver on our commitments. We understand that it is not enough to meet expected standards; we must exceed them. In order to be above reproach, the Callaway County United Way carefully monitors its policies and practices to create an environment and culture of total accountability from the handling of your community investment to delivering the results you expect. Our commitment to you is that everything we do, every decision we make, will be driven by the relentless pursuit of our mission: to increase the organizations capacity of people to care for one another by serving as a funding entity to provide financial support to high priority human service agencies and as a community catalyst to match local needs with human service providers.

Stewardship Matters

We can only accomplish our mission through the generosity of our donors and supporters. Although financial gifts are directed to us, we do not own them. We use the resources entrusted to us carefully, and weigh all our decisions against the ultimate end of fulfilling our mission by allocating the funds we raise to our member agencies. It is a responsibility we take with great seriousness. We always respect our donors’ intentions and restrictions, and promote responsible stewardship.

Transparency Matters

The Callaway County United Way’s existence depends on its credibility with you, our investors, supporters, partners, and community. We work hard to earn and keep this trust, in part by fostering a culture of openness and accessibility concerning stewardship practices. We have compiled a comprehensive list of policies and procedures that includes: our annual audit and financial statements, our IRS nonprofit determination letter, resource distribution policies, list of recipients, ethics and conflict of interest policies, by which all staff and board members are required to adhere, and many other policies and procedures, which are all available upon request. We will continue to make any and all relevant information about United Way available to you.

Governance Matters

The Callaway County United Way has an active and engaged Board of Directors made up of many talented and committed local community leaders. They are charged with the fiduciary responsibility of upholding our mission and values, and providing oversight of our operations and staff. The Board of Directors meets at least 7 times per year to appraise the CEO’s performance, establish and oversee fundraising policies and practices, direct the distribution of funds, approve and monitor the annual budget throughout the year, and ensure compliance with accounting procedures and policies. Various committees oversee different aspects of the organization, including an Audit and Finance Committee made up of bank executives and other qualified, committed individuals who ensure that our financial practices and policies live up to our values.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act

The Callaway County United Way, although non-profit, and therefore exempt from most aspects of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adheres to the principles of the law.  If you have questions, concerns or suspicions regarding the accounting procedures of the Callaway County United Way, you will be protected by our Whistleblower Policy and should contact The Board President, The Board Treasurer or the UW's independent auditor, David Shively, CPA."

Accountability Checklist

Last Updated:  08/05/2011