Since 1941, United Way of Northwest Georgia has been a powerful force for good and a critical part of the fabric of Whitfield and Murray counties. The needs in our community have changed over time, so we’ve adapted our support to stay ahead of emerging needs and help as many people as possible. What hasn’t changed? We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. That's why we work daily to advance the common good by investing in high-quality human service programs and working with philanthropists, businesses, churches, local governments, and dedicated community volunteers to create lasting and measurable changes. When there is a community need, United Way of Northwest Georgia is there. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities in Whitfield and Murray counties. United Way mobilizes our community to take action so all can thrive! United Way of Northwest Georgia is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving Northwest Georgia.
United Way of Northwest Georgia's 3 Areas of Focus in our Community:
Mission Statement
Improving Lives. Inspiring Donors. Uniting Community.
Vision Statement
To be the preferred organization investing in education, basic needs, and health in our community.
Strategic Guidelines
Education
Get kids ready for kindergarten, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, and graduating on time with skills to be career and life-ready.
Basic Needs
Reduce the long-term need for food, housing, and utility assistance through life skills education and financial counseling.
Health
Support prevention services so youth and adults are healthy and avoid risky behaviors.
United Way of Northwest Georgia is led by a Board of Directors comprised of locally trained volunteers.
United Way Worldwide Membership Standards
Accountability
At United Way, we know success is measured by how our mission is achieved — to make measurable improvements in communities. Setting high standards for ourselves and for our local partners is critical for that success. Annually, all United Ways certify their adherence to standards that include comprehensive requirements for financial reporting, governance, ethics, diversity, and operations. Specifically, United Ways must meet the following:
Tax-Exempt Status
All United Ways must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as well as corresponding provisions of other applicable state, local or foreign laws or regulations
Governance
United Ways are governed by active, responsible, and voluntary governing boards to ensure effective governance over the policies and financial resources of the organization. These boards are responsible for United Ways delivering on their mission to advance the common good.
Ethics
All United Ways follow locally adopted codes of ethics for volunteers and staff that include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices, and full and fair disclosure.
Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusiveness, as defined by the United Way of Northwest Georgia, provides equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, creed, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, sex, age, or national origin. The United Way of Northwest Georgia promotes the full realization of this policy through the positive recognition of the value of inclusiveness.
Financial Accountability
United Ways undergo annual financial audits conducted by independent certified public accountants whose examination complies with generally accepted auditing standards. In addition, United Ways have developed comprehensive requirements for the completion of audited financial statements to ensure consistency and transparency system-wide. These requirements are based on industry best practices and comport with generally accepted accounting principles. Smaller United Ways (with less than $100,000 in annual revenue) may undergo an independent financial review.
Performance Excellence
Every three years, United Ways conduct self-assessments of their governance, financial management, and impact in the community.
Public Reporting and Disclosure
United Ways must file the IRS Form 990 in a timely manner and will provide the IRS Form 990 on their website, at their offices, or upon request.
Legal
United Ways comply with all applicable local, state, and federal operating and reporting requirements.
Support the United Way Network
United Ways provide financial support to United Way Worldwide and follow standards to use United Way's trademarks. United Ways charges fees based on actual expenses for donor-designated gifts and other processing services.
United Way of Northwest Georgia is committed to keeping all personal donor or member agency information confidential and secure. We use personal donor or member agency information to administer our business, and access is limited to those who need it for this purpose. We may share personal donor or agency information with volunteers who assist United Way with our fundraising, fund distribution, or community impact efforts. We do not sell donor lists or data about our donors and agencies to others. If you have a question or concern, please e-mail us or call 706.529.1598.