2024 General Campaign Donor Choice Agency Recertification

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United Way focus areas are Health & Wellness, Early Learning & Development/Education and Financial Stability/Income.  The Donor Choice Program (DCP) is a courtesy service where we offer our donors the option to designate to other Health and Human Service not-for-profit agencies that are currently eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  We ask agencies to complete this certification to possibly be considered eligible to receive prospective contributions through our annual General Campaign.


Please note:  This form pertains to United Way of Buffalo & Erie County only and is NOT related to state or federal employee campaigns that you may participate in.

 

Please read carefully.  This will require about 10-15 minutes of your time.  Helpful hints are provided throughout this document.  A confirmation will immediately be sent to the respondent's email address upon successfully submitting it.  For questions or concerns, please visit:  https://uwbec.org/contact.

  1. Complete this form for this specific location one time as requested for the noted campaign year.
  2. Please use PROPER capitalization format (not all CAPS or lower-case letters).
  3. Most fields are required and some are noted or marked with a red asterisk.  Leave blank otherwise.
  4. Be careful with coping and pasting page contents onto this form, as hidden html elements, links, or tags may produce errors that could prevent you from submitting it.
  5. Double check for errors before submitting this document.
  6. Signatory Name at the bottom will be the person to certify on behalf of this agency.

A confirmation will be sent to this email upon successful completion
EIN, Agency Name, Mission
Vendor ID can be found at the top of a check stub (directly under Payee).  Leave blank if unknown.
EIN used for 501(c)(3) bearer in IRS records (required).  FORMAT: 12-3456789
Primary name by which this organization is listed in IRS records
Abbreviation, acronym, AKA, dba, or, if you are NOT the actual EIN holder.  Leave blank if N/A.

Leadership will know if this org is a Funded Program Partner of UWBEC (web page is hyperlinked in question).

If your charity is not listed, you do not receive program funding (therefore, check "No" above to proceed).

HHS agencies work to improve and maintain the health and well-being of individuals (whether for unborn babies/mothers, children, up to the elderly) by providing for (1) necessities such as food, water, clothing, shelter, safety, and healthcare (2) psychological and social interpersonal needs, including acceptance and dignity (3) and self-actualization/self-fulfillment, including education and financial stability, in respect to achieving one's full potential and prosperity. This can be done in the areas of medicine, public health, social support services, and other disciplines.

GuideStar is a platform that provides data on IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations and nonprofits. Please verify before you click on "not sure".
Basic Contact Info
Use this field if you want to add a second website.  Leave blank if N/A.

Main purpose of this charity's existence [275-character max].
Main business number w/ area code (required).  FORMAT: 000-000-0000
A "general" email address that is regularly monitored, and will not change due to employee turnover, etc.  If you do not have a generic email, please enter your preferred contact email for this agency (required)

MAIN Address
Physical address at which this agency is based or located (local chapter, if applicable)
For a PO Box, see 'Mailing Address' fields below
2-letter
5-digit zip
MAILING Address
PO Box or an alternate address for mailing correspondence to this charity
LEAVE BLANK if the same as Main Address above, or if not applicable
2-letter
5-digit zip
Primary Contact (all fields are required)
Person responsible for correspondence and/or donations
Important business emails may be sent to this email
Leadership - Chief Executive Officer (all fields are required)
Lead person in charge of this local organization
Executive Director, President, etc.
Important business emails may be sent to this email
Board Leadership - Chief Volunteer Officer
Unpaid leading Board Member (required field)
Volunteer Officer's title within THIS charity organization such as the Board Chair, Treasurer, etc. (required field)
In the event we need to send an email to this contact - LEAVE BLANK if none
CVO employer, if applicable - LEAVE BLANK if none
Program Funding Expectations & Agreement

Programs that are chosen to receive funding will be required to sign a program funding agreement.  An overview of the program funding agreement will be shared alongside the award letter for programs who are chosen to receive funding.

 

As a condition of receiving funds from United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) for the period beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 our agency agrees to the following:

 

PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

  • Certify charity is registered and in compliance with reporting requirements of the NYS Attorney General Charities Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service, and provide UWBEC with audited financial statements, as required by the Charities Bureau, upon request;
  • Apply UWBEC funding only to approved program(s) and deliver program(s) and service(s) as outlined in its funding request;
  • Operate UWBEC funded program(s) and service(s), by policy and practice, without discrimination to beneficiaries of services based on age, race, religion, gender, economic status, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, culture, national origin, or other status protected by law;
  • Retain any audited year-end UWBEC funding surplus for appropriate use as authorized by its Board of Directors and consistent with the program(s) and service(s) funded by UWBEC;
  • Advise UWBEC in writing of any extraordinary developments which may materially affect execution of funded program(s) and service(s) (e.g. change in personnel) and secure approval for any change in the use of UWBEC funds.  Updates or anticipated changes to the program will be shared with UWBEC Community Impact staff within thirty days.  Requests for changes in how funds will be spent must be sent to the program’s assigned UWBEC staff member for approval.  See Appendix C for guidelines;
  • Attend required meetings and provide information on the performance of UWBEC funded program(s), including annual performance reporting, participation in annual site visits, and/or financial audits, as directed by UWBEC staff and consistent with the timetable and format set forth by UWBEC;
  • Maintain an up-to-date, accurate profile on 211WNY.org & educate staff
  • Marketing:  An acknowledgement that the organization receives UWBEC funding is communicated within your promotional items used for the program including but not limited to website, annual report, flyers, news releases, event programs, newsletters, and program specific banners or posters.  Promote undesignated giving to the United Way campaign through social media, website, newsletters, special communications to donors, or at your own workplace campaign to generate charitable giving in support of community well-being.
  • United Way Campaign:  Run a United Way Campaign at your workplace.  Program funding is derived from generous undesignated contributions from workplace donors throughout Erie County.  Click HERE for additional information or contact April Lucey at april.lucey@uwbec.org.

 

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

 

In addition to financial support, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County (UWBEC) provides various opportunities for funded programs to engage with us, other funded programs, and community members.  Participating in these opportunities is vital in demonstrating how generous undesignated contributions from Erie County donors support funded programs and increases our ability to support Buffalo & Erie County through our Community Impact Platform.

 

Agencies of funded programs are required to participate in one or more of the following partnerships and engagement opportunities:

 

21 Day Equity Challenge:  Through broad community engagement, the WNY 21-Day Equity Challenge will increase awareness of critical issues and strengthen our community’s capacity to dismantle all forms of racism.  Self-directed learning opportunities will encourage a deeper understanding of race, power, privilege, and leadership.

 

211 Western New York (211 WNY):  United Way of Buffalo & Erie County is the lead organization for 211 WNY, a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services.  If you or someone you know needs assistance, dial 211.  The 2-1-1 helpline provides health & human service referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and has the most up to date information on available resources, including housing, basic needs, food assistance, free tax preparation, and more.  Information on organizations/programs can be updated by contacting 2-1-1 WNY.

 

Board Leadership Training:  An online course designed to prepare students for board service and introduce them to organizations that are looking for board members.  Board Leadership Training has been streamlined to make it easier than ever to learn the fundamentals of board leadership.

 

Business Meets Community:  Our Business Meets Community program connects company teams of employees with volunteer opportunities at agencies.  This is a wonderful program to bring volunteers into your organization and to create new relationships with corporate partners in our community.  Contact Suzette O’Brien at suzette.obrien@uwbec.org to get your agency involved.

 

CASH Coalition (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope):  Participate in coalition work focused on a variety of proactive, community‐based strategies including securing working family credits and other income supports (including Earned Income, Education, and Child Tax Credits); improving the coordination, reach, and consistency of local financial education programming; supporting education and employment opportunities; and encouraging homeownership and other asset development opportunities.  Sign up HERE.

 

Community Baby Shower:  Being a parent can be a challenge for anyone.  It can be even more difficult for expectant parents who already struggle to make ends meet.  You can welcome our newest community members and provide valuable encouragement and support to new moms by participating in this year's Community Baby Shower.

 

Day of Caring:  Sign up for the Day of Caring to get a half or full day of volunteers to work on your projects.  Participants provide a wide range of volunteer support, such as renovating community centers, revitalizing public spaces, and providing professional assistance to local nonprofits and more.  Check the website for registration updates.

 

Executive Edge:  Executive Edge @ United Way is an exclusive and innovative leadership program designed specifically for current nonprofit Executive Directors and CEO’s.  Our program equips you with the critical skills necessary to navigate and thrive in today's dynamic and ever-changing landscape.  With a unique approach, combining intensive workshops and peer circle sessions, facilitated by seasoned leadership consultant Sesha Yalamanchili, we ensure a transformative and enriching experience throughout the year, giving you the advantage to excel and succeed in this challenging climate.  Annual registration opens in the Fall.

 

Starting Line Healthy Births (was Healthy Moms/Healthy Babies) Healthy Moms/Health Babies Coalition:  Participate in coalition work focused on a child’s first year.  Partners focused on multi-sector initiatives addressing maternal and infant health (maternal mortality/morbidity, prematurity, low-birthweight, breastfeeding rates).  Sign up HERE.

 

Starting Line Thrive by Five:  Participate in coalition work focused on children after their first year and before they enter kindergarten, where we identify needs and support initiatives through collaboration and advocacy opportunities.  Sign up HERE.

 

Starting Line - College & Career Readiness (was School-aged Coalition:  Participate in coalition work focused on children from PK through 12th grade, where we identify needs and support initiatives through collaboration and advocacy opportunities.  Coalitions further the common goals of UWBEC and funded program(s).  Sign up HERE.

 

United Way Weekly Newsletter:  The United Way issues a weekly newsletter geared towards nonprofit organizations and employees.  This newsletter is intended to be a resource primarily for Western New York nonprofit organizations looking to share information and/or job openings.  If you have news, events, or job postings you would like included in the weekly newsletter, you may submit a request via our website. To sign up to receive the newsletter, click HERE.

 

VolunteerWNY.org:  Listing volunteer opportunities for your organization provides hundreds of volunteers the opportunity to support your work, and learn more about your work in the community.

Charitable Status & USA PATRIOT Act Compliance
By checking each of the three (3) boxes below, I hereby certify on behalf of the organization named on this document, that ALL information provided on this document is correct and true, AND:



Review, Signatory, & Date



Important information pertaining to this agency (optional)

Kindly review all information before submitting this form.  Verify you entered a Main and/or Mailing Address (we need an address - do NOT leave both sections blank).  If you attempt to submit this form and it was not completed correctly, you will receive a notification at the top of the page that displays the number of problems and errors will show in RED.  If done correctly, you will immediately receive an acknowledgment at the top of the page and an email confirming your responses have been recorded.  We appreciate your time and consideration in helping us keep this process streamlined - THANK YOU!


United Way of Buffalo & Erie County  |  742 Delaware Ave  |  Buffalo NY 14209

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