Our Mission

The foundation for our community impact work begins with the statement of the mission, vision, and core values for United Way of North Central Florida.

Our Mission

United Way of North Central Florida positively impacts the education, health and financial stability of people living in our region.

Our Vision

To be the number one trusted choice in charitable giving that unites people to transform lives in north central Florida.

Core Values - "ALIVE"

• ACCOUNTABILITY: We act with integrity and maintain the highest standards of ethics and accountability.

• LEADERSHIP: We provide leadership for community building.

• INCLUSIVENESS: We respect the dignity, uniqueness and worth of all individuals and value the diversity of the community we serve.

• VOLUNTEERISM: We promote a 'spirit of volunteerism' and volunteer leadership.

• EXCELLENCE: We provide the highest quality in all we do.

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.

Accountability & Transparency

We understand how important it is for people to trust organizations that they are giving to. In order to ensure that our donors are comfortable giving, our past audited financials and completed 990s can be found here.

Since 2011, United Way of North Central Florida has consistently received four out of four stars from Charity Navigator for accountability and transparency.

United Way of North Central Florida has also been awarded a gold rating from GuideStar.

These exceptional designations differentiate United Way of North Central Florida from its peers and demonstrate to the public that we are worthy of financial trust.

Standards

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 — United Ways have adopted policies/statements to ensure volunteers and staff broadly reflect the diversity of the community served.

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 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 charge fees based on actual expenses for donor-designated gifts and other processing services.