United Way Worldwide meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
BBB WGA COMMENT
In November of 2020, a media investigation reported that three female employees at UWW had filed claims between 2019 and 2020 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). These claims alleged sexual harassment and retaliation by UWW after they spoke up about the behavior. Two of these claims were resolved prior to the EEOC issuing a determination- one was dismissed, and one was withdrawn. As of the date of this report publication, UWW reports that the final claim is pending with the EEOC.
In finding that UWW meets Standard 1, which addresses board oversight, BBB WGA considered that the organization hired an outside firm to facilitate an independent investigation into the manner and processes by which UWW management handled the allegations reported in the media and the extent to which UWW’s policies were followed in addressing them. The independent firm’s investigation concluded that UWW appropriately handled and investigated the internal complaints made to UWW by the three employees who subsequently filed charges with the EEOC and that UWW followed appropriate processes and procedures. The independent investigation results included a number of suggestions and recommendations relating to potential enhancements to strengthen UWW’s policies, practices, and procedures, including those relating to management and other training and reporting and investigating complaints. In our assessment, UWW has taken the measures recommended in the independent report. These measures include creating a culture task force, engaging staff in listening sessions, and a review of UWW’s code of ethics, sexual harassment policy and protocols for reporting and protections for employees who raise concerns.
United Way Worldwide (UWW) is the leadership organization for a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Way member organizations in over 40 countries and territories. The organization reports that it works to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on education, income and health. Each United Way member organization is an independent, separately-incorporated organization governed by local volunteers. Issues addressed by community-based United Ways are determined locally, but often include creating and improving educational opportunities for children and youth to succeed, promoting financial stability, and improving health. UWW works to bring together partners including other nonprofits, government agencies, organized labor, businesses, faith-based organizations and individuals who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. UWW's donor advised giving program facilitates grants to domestic and international organizations, based on recommendations by program contributors that meet programmatic or geographic interest of both the donor and the organization.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, United Way Worldwide's program expenses were:
Donor advised giving |
$110,128,410 |
U.S. network |
$76,696,690 |
Digital services |
$24,450,595 |
International network |
$20,092,912 |
Investor relations |
$7,595,078 |
Brand strategy and marketing |
$6,443,664 |
Other program services |
$4,123,188 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$249,530,537 |
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Chief Executive
Angela F. Williams, President and CEO
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Compensation*
$0
-
Chair of the Board
Juliette Tuakli
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Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
CEO & Chief Medical Officer, CHILDAccra
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Board Size
16
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Paid Staff Size
230
*2021 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Note: Ms. Williams became President and Chief Executive officer in September 2021 and salary information is not yet available. Prior to that, Brian Gallagher served as President and Chief Executive Officer, earning $1,578,515 in 2019.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Invitations to fund raising events, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Telephone appeals, Radio, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.), Television
Fundraising costs were 2% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $247,741,691, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on United Way Worldwide's audited financial statements - consolidated for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$247,741,691 |
Membership support, net |
$35,238,245 |
Program service fees |
$16,649,456 |
Contribution from affiliate |
$12,411,423 |
Investment return, net |
$2,261,645 |
Miscellaneous and other |
$1,721,242 |
Conferences |
$179,405 |
Promotional material sales |
$164,017 |
Endowment/quasi-endowment investment returns |
($3,608,373) |
Total Income |
$312,758,751 |
- Programs: 92%
- Administrative: 7%
- Fundraising: Less than 1%
Total Income |
$312,758,751 |
Program expenses |
$249,530,537 |
Fundraising expenses |
$5,382,096 |
Administrative expenses |
$18,498,574 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$273,411,207 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$39,347,544 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$39,698,330 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$-4,341,520 |
Ending Net Assets |
$74,704,354 |
Total Liabilities |
$59,165,483 |
Total Assets |
$133,869,837 |
Note 1: In the above financial section, 'other changes in net assets' refers to pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost.