United Way of Westchester and Putnam

Our Commitment to you, to those who are counting on us for help, and to the entire community...

There is nothing more important to our United Way than upholding the trust given to us by all in our community, including our generous and committed donors. That is why we operate in an open and transparent manner 365 days a year:

We diligently follow accounting standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). On November 17, 2004, our Board of Directors accepted our audited financial statements for our 2003-04 fiscal year, as presented by our accounting firm- O'Connor Davies Munns & Dobbins, LLP. We received an unqualified opinion. Click here to view the entire audit report.

Our audited statements include detailed notes, highlighting what gifts were included in our campaign total, how our overhead cost ratio was calculated, and how the available dollars were distributed.

Included in our campaign total are all undesignated and designated contributions given by corporations, employees and individuals in our two-county area as a result of our community-based solicitation efforts as well as our active support of workplace drives. No in-kind donations or volunteer time are included.

Each of the 1,400 United Ways in the country is separately incorporated and autonomous, including our organization. However, we believe that in a complex society with a growing live/work dynamic (people working in one United Way area and living in another), it is essential that all United Ways adhere to a set of standards related to campaign reporting as well as charges for processing designated gifts.

For the past year, our United Way has been collaborating with over 50 other local United Ways around the country-representing almost half of all funds raised by local United Ways-to develop standards which will result in clear and consistent reporting by all United Ways. These basic standards are now in place and we are committed to adhering fully to them.

Our United Way also fully supports the monitoring and assessment process recently established by United Way of America-the organization responsible for providing various forms of assistance to independent local United Ways. Going forward, all United Ways that are members of the United Way of America must agree to comply with the reporting standards, submit information including annual audits, and participate in a community-driven self-assessment of their community impact, financial management and organizational governance. Any United Way that is not in compliance with these standards faces the potential loss of membership benefits (e.g., use of the United Way name and logo). These new standards and monitoring process demonstrate the ability of independent United Ways to work together to ensure that the United Way system remains the trusted partner of those who strive to strengthen community and change lives.

If you have any questions or concerns about our United Way's efforts to earn your trust, call our hotline at 914-997-6700, ext. 796 between 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.