Policies & Financials

Policies

Donor Privacy Policy

United Way of Mesa County recognizes the importance of protecting information we collect. United Way of Mesa County uses the information we acquire for internal purposes only and we maintain customary security measures to keep this information confidential.

If a donor informs us that they do not wish to have their personal information used as a basis for further contact, we respect that request and we remove them from our contact list and do not contact them further. If a donor wishes to review or correct their personal information which we have in our files, we provide them with that information for their review and we make any requested changes to their information. Any donor may request changes to their personal information or may request removal from our contact list by calling United Way of Mesa County’s office at 970-243-5364.

United Way of Mesa County takes precautions to keep all donor information secure and confidential. No donor information will be disclosed to third parties for commercial purposes. To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and to ensure the appropriate use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The officers, directors, employees, volunteers, and persons served by this corporation shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status, to the extent required by applicable law.

US Patriot Act Compliance

United Way of Mesa County verifies that each partner agency is eligible to receive charitable donations and acknowledges compliance with the USA Patriot Act and other counterterrorism laws.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

United Way of Mesa County is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion, diversity, and equity. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team of employees, volunteers, and community representatives. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our constituents invest in represents not only part of our culture, but our reputation and achievements as well.

We welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

United Way is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, board, and volunteer base and takes diversity, equity, and inclusion issues into consideration when making investments in our community. Our community thrives when we get this right. We aim to create an organization that celebrates the diversity of our employees, agencies, and partners and oppose racial and ethnic discrimination.

Additional Policies:

Title: Conflict of Interest Policy

Policy:

  1. A Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement shall be filed by each member of the Board of Directors upon joining the board and at least annually thereafter.
  2. The statement will identify all direct affiliations with agencies applying for United Way funding and any indirect relationships with such agencies which could affect the individual’s ability to render an objective decision regarding funding. It will also identify all direct and indirect financial interests in any for-profit companies currently conducting business with United Way.
  3. Any person having such direct affiliation or indirect relationship with an agency being considered for United Way funding shall also disclose the relationship at the time funding is being considered. Such person may participate in discussion regarding the facts associated with the funding request, but shall not advocate for or against the funding in question and shall not participate in decisions regarding the funding.
  4. Any person who at any time believes he/she will not be able to render an objective decision regarding funding being considered for any agency, whether or not it is included in the Conflict of Interest Statement, shall so declare at the time such funding is being considered.
  5. Any person having a direct or indirect financial interest with a company conducting business with United Way shall also disclose the relationship at the time the company is being considered. Such person may participate in discussion regarding the facts associated with the company, but shall not advocate for or against the company in question and shall not participate in decisions regarding that company.

Title: Whistleblower Policy

General:

The United Way of Mesa County requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Organization, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Reporting Responsibility:

It is the responsibility of all directors, officers and employees to comply with the Code of Ethics and/or Handbook and to report violations or suspected violations in accordance with this Whistleblower Policy. Employees must comply with Policy 130 of the Employee Handbook, when reporting discrimination or harassment.

No Retaliation:

No trustee, officer or employee who in good faith reports a violation of the Code or Handbook shall suffer harassment, retaliation or adverse employment consequence. An employee who retaliates against someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. This Whistleblower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns within the Organization prior to seeking resolution outside the Organization.

Reporting Violations:

In most cases, the Executive Director is in the best position to address an area of concern. However, if you are not comfortable speaking with the Executive Director or you are not satisfied with the Executive Director’s response, you are encouraged to speak with the Compliance Officer. The Executive Director is required to report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct to the Organization’s Compliance Officer, who has specific and exclusive responsibility to investigate all reported violations of the Code. For suspected fraud, or when you are not satisfied or uncomfortable going to the Executive Director individuals should contact the Organization’s Compliance Officer directly. An anonymous third-party tip line is available for reporting if direct communication to the Executive Director or Compliance Officer is not possible or impractical. The telephone number and organization identification code will be posted in the organization’s office, on the organization’s website, and in the Employee Handbook and Board Handbook. Three contacts from the organization including the Executive Director, Compliance Officer, and a third board member appointed by the Board President will be alerted by the tip line of possible concerns. Employees must comply with Policy 130 of the Employee Handbook, when reporting discrimination or harassment.

Compliance Officer:

The Organization’s Compliance Officer is the Treasurer. The Organization’s Compliance Officer is responsible for investigating and resolving all reported complaints and allegations concerning violations of the Code and, at his/her discretion, shall advise the Executive Director and/or the finance committee. The Compliance Officer has direct access to the finance committee of the board of directors and is required to report to the finance committee at least annually on compliance activity.

Accounting and Auditing Matters:

The finance committee of the board of directors shall address all reported concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing. The Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the finance committee of any such complaint and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.

Acting in Good Faith:

Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

Confidentiality:

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

Handling of Reported Violations:

The Compliance Officer will notify the complainant (when known) and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warranted by the investigation.

References:

Adapted from variety of sample policies from other small cities United Way organizations

Date Adopted: August 22, 2007

Board of Directors Last Review Date:

Revision Dates: August 11, 2020

Title: Code of Ethics

United Way of Mesa County (UWMC) is committed to the highest ethical standards, upholding the unique trust placed in us to serve the public good. This Code of Ethics is the policy of UWMC and expresses our fundamental values. Accordingly, this Code guides the conduct of staff and volunteers and will assist them in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Staff and volunteers of UWMC shall annually review this Code and ensure that they adhere to its spirit when carrying out their varied responsibilities.

1. Personal and Professional Integrity

A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual as well as the organization. We therefore:

  • Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement.
  • Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.
  • Promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and minority opinions are valued.
2. Accountability

UWMC is responsible to its stakeholders, including funded agencies, donors, volunteers, and others who have placed faith in the organization. To uphold this trust we will:

  • Promote good stewardship of resources.
  • Refrain from using organizational resources for non-UWMC purposes.
  • Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting UWMC.
3. Solicitations and Voluntary Giving

The most responsive contributors are those who have had the opportunity to become informed and involved. We therefore:

  • Promote voluntary giving in dealing with donors and vendors.
  • Refrain from the use of coercion in fundraising activities, including predicating professional advancement on response to solicitations.
4. Diversity and Inclusion

United Way of Mesa County fosters and promotes an inclusive environment that leverages the unique contributions of diverse individuals and organizations in all aspects of our work. We know that by bringing diverse individuals and viewpoints together we can collectively and more effectively create opportunities for a better life for all. We therefore:

  • Value, champion and embrace diversity and inclusion in all aspects of UWMC activities and respect others without regard to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
  • Support affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs throughout UWMC.
5. Conflicts of Interest

To avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest which could tarnish the reputation of UWMC or undermine the public’s trust in the organization, UWMC staff shall:

  • Avoid any activity or outside interest which conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interests of UWMC, including involvement with a current or potential vendor or grantee unless disclosed to and not deemed to be inappropriate by UWMC Executive Director or Board President.
  • Ensure that outside employment or other activities do not adversely affect the performance of their UWMC duties or achievement of the UWMC mission.
  • Ensure that travel, entertainment and related expenses are incurred on a basis consistent with the mission of UWMC and not for personal gain or interest.
  • Decline any gift, gratuity, or favor in the performance of UWMC duties except for promotional items of nominal value, and any food, lodging or entertainment unless directly related to UWMC business.
  • Refrain from influencing the selection of staff, consultants or vendors who are relatives or personal friends or affiliated with, employ or employed by a person with whom they have a relationship that adversely affects the appearance of impartiality.
UWMC volunteers:
  • Shall disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any matter before the Board of Directors, if they are Board members, or any committee or panel upon which they serve and withdraw from the meeting room during any discussion, review and voting in connection with such matter.
  • Should not knowingly take any action or make any statement intended to influence the conduct of UWMC in such a way to confer any financial benefit on themselves, their immediate family members or any organization in which they have a significant interest as stakeholders, directors or officers.
  • Members of the Board of Directors and Allocation Panels shall annually file with UWMC a disclosure of all known potential conflicts of interest.
6. Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism. We therefore:

  • Ensure that all information which is confidential, privileged, or nonpublic is not disclosed inappropriately.
  • Respect the privacy rights of all individuals in the performance of their UWMC duties.
7. Political Contributions

UWMC encourages individual participation in civic affairs. However, as a charitable organization, UWMC may not make contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee and may not intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. We therefore:

  • Refrain from making any contributions to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of UWMC, or in a manner that may create the appearance that the contribution is on behalf of UWMC.
  • Refrain from using any organizational financial resources, facilities or personnel to endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.
  • Clearly communicate that we are not acting on behalf of the organization, if identified as an official of UWMC while engaging in political activities in an individual capacity.
  • Refrain from engaging in political activities in a manner that may create the appearance that such an activity is by or on behalf of UWMC.
Guidance and Disclosure

UWMC staff and volunteers are encouraged to seek guidance from the Board President or Executive Director concerning the interpretation or application of this Code of Ethics. Additionally, examples and definition of terms may be reviewed in the United Way of America Code of Ethics. Any known or possible breaches of the Code of Ethics should be disclosed. Reports of possible breaches will be handled in the following manner:

  • All reports of possible breaches will be treated in confidence as much as the organization’s duty to investigate and the law allow. If confidentiality cannot be maintained, the individual disclosing the possible breach will be notified.
  • All reported breaches will be investigated and, if needed, appropriate action taken based on the policies of the organization.
  • Retaliation against a person who suspects and reports a breach in good faith will be treated as an independent breach of the Code.
  • UWMC affirms prompt and fair resolution of all reported breaches.