Member Nonprofits

Membership FAQs

General Membership FAQs
Eligibility FAQs
Partnership FAQs

General Membership

What is the process to become a member of United Way NCA?
United Way NCA conducts an annual online membership eligibility process in the late fall. Interested local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to review the membership criteria to determine if they meet the requirements of membership. Application workshops and training opportunities are available prior to the opening of the online application. Once accepted, the organization's membership will be in effect the following July to June. Find more details on this year's eligibility process at as they become available.

If I am a returning nonprofit member, will my United Way NCA designation number remain the same?
Yes, in most cases an organization's four-digit United Way designation code remains the same indefinitely. If there is a reason for a change, your organization would be notified. Each year, upon acceptance as a member nonprofit, United Way NCA will reaffirm your United Way designation code.

The Combined Federal Campaign issues a separate five-digit designation code for use specifically in the CFC. The CFC designation code also remains with an organization from year to year and is used in all CFC campaigns in which the organization participates.

Do municipal charitable campaigns use my United Way NCA charity number?
For the most part, municipal and corporate workplace campaigns do use your United Way NCA four-digit designation number. However, the Combined Federal Campaign assigns its own five-digit designation codes. Also, if your charity is included in the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, it will have a unique designation code for the purposes of this campaign. If you are unsure, check with us before giving your number to a donor for a particular campaign. Email us at membership@uwnca.org.

Which jurisdictions are considered "local" by United Way NCA?
Alexandria, VA, Arlington, VA, District of Columbia, Fairfax-Falls Church, VA, Loudoun County, VA, Montgomery County, MD, Prince George's County, MD, and Prince William County, VA.

Eligibility

If I am a member nonprofit in the 2011/2012 United Way NCA campaign, do I need to submit a new eligibility application this November?
Yes. You must apply to become a member nonprofit every year. You must submit a complete online application that conforms to the most current set of membership eligibility criteria and required information for the next campaign season.

Why is local member presence a requirement?
United Way NCA requires local presence (in one or more of our designated local areas) of its charity members which is defined as a staffed facility, office or portion of a residence dedicated exclusively to that organization. The facility must be open at least 15 hours a week and have a telephone dedicated exclusively to the organization. The office may be staffed by volunteers.

May I use a post office box for my member organization's address information?
You may use a post office box for your mailing address, but the online application also requires a physical street address for your organization. You can only use a post office box in place of a street address when there are security concerns about releasing your organization's physical address. You must also provide an explanation of your specific security concerns.

Does my organization need to provide audited financial statements annually?
If your organization's revenue is $100,000 or greater, you must provide audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2012 (i.e. ending on or after June 30, 2010).

The audit must be conducted by an independent certified public accountant in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and must be prepared on an accrual basis. Cash basis, cash modified, or modified accrual basis accounting systems are unacceptable. Reviews and/or compiled audits will not be accepted.

Does my organization need to provide a copy of our IRS Form 990?
Yes, you must provide a copy of the most recently completed and signed IRS Form 990 covering the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2012.

The 990 must be signed and dated by an officer of the organization, the preparer's signature alone is not sufficient. The IRS mandates all non-profit organizations file one of a series of IRS Forms 990 based upon revenue level. The IRS reports that any tax-exempt organization that did not file the required form in the last three years will automatically lose its tax-exempt status effective as of the due date of the annual filling. Without a tax-exempt status you cannot participate in United Way NCA or the CFC.

Why are we being asked to produce a pro forma IRS Form 990?
If the IRS requires an organization to file IRS Forms 990EZ, 990PF or 990N, then the organization must complete and submit a pro forma IRS Form 990, as well as a copy of the IRS Form 990EZ, 990PF or 990N filed with the IRS, in order to calculate the organization's overhead percentage.

How do we prepare a pro forma IRS 990 Form?
The IRS Form 990 can be downloaded from the IRS website (www.irs.gov). The following sections must be completed:

Page 1 (Part I, Summary and Part II, Signature Block)
Page 7 and 8 (Part VII, Compensation sections A and B)
Page 9 (Part VIII, Statement of Revenues), page 10 (Part IX, Statement of Functional Expenses), and for the 2008 Form 990 page 11 (Part XI, Financial Statements and Report) OR for the 2009 990
Page 12 (Part XI, Financial Statements and Report).

Do my organization's audit and IRS Form 990 need to cover the same fiscal period?
Yes, they must cover the fiscal year ending not more than 18 months prior to January 2012 (i.e. ending on or after June 30, 2010).

At what point is my organization required to request a new IRS determination letter?
United Way NCA does not impose a "stale date" for IRS determination letters. However, if your organization's determination letter is more than five years old, we encourage you to update it as soon as possible. In addition, if your determination letter does not display the Employer Identification Number or contains an outdated name or address, we encourage you to contact the IRS's Non-Profit Office to request an updated Letter of Affirmation at 1-877-829-5500, option 4.

My organization is the local affiliate of a national organization. What must we submit with our application?
Local organizations that are part of an IRS group exemption must provide a copy of the IRS letter granting the group exemption, as well as a list of subordinates that are covered by the group exemption. Bona-fide chapters or affiliates of a national organization that are covered by the national organization's tax exemption, must provide a certification letter signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or CEO-equivalent of the national organization.Such certification must state that the local charitable organization operates as a bona-fide chapter or affiliate in good standing of the national organization and is covered by the national organization's 501(c)3 tax exemption, and is included in the audited financial statements, to the extent required by regulation. A copy of the national organization's 501(c)3 letter must accompany the CEO's certification letter.

How does United Way NCA calculate a member nonprofit's overhead percentage?
United Way NCA calculates overhead percentage as part of total revenue. This percentage is computed from the IRS Form 990 submitted, by adding the amount in Part IX (Statement of Functional Expenses), Line 25, Column C (Management and General Expenses) to the amount in Line 25, Column D (Fundraising Expenses), and divide the sum by Part VIII (Statement of Revenue), Line 12, Column A (Total Revenue). No other method may be used to calculate the overhead rate percentage. All percentages must be listed to the tenth of a percent (e.g. 15.7%).

What is United Way NCA's limit on the amount of government support an organization can receive?
United Way NCA no longer places a limit on the percentage of government support a member nonprofit can receive.

What does United Way NCA consider to be a fiscal year?
United Way NCA does not impose a particular definition of "fiscal year." The requirements for our documents cover the previous 18 months to account for differences in fiscal year definitions among organizations. Your audit (if required) and IRS Form 990 must cover a fiscal year that ends no more than 18 months prior to January 1, 2012 (i.e. no later than June 30, 2010).

What if my IRS Form 990 and audit cover more than a 12-month period?
It is acceptable if your required documents cover more than a 12-month period. We understand that this may be the case for some charities, particularly those that may have changed fiscal cycles during the course of the last year. Your required documents should not cover time periods of less than 12 months.

Partnering with United Way NCA

Where can my organization access the United Way NCA logo and brand requirements?
Visit this page for this information.

How can I find out the amount that was designated to my organization in the most recent campaign?

Member nonprofits can access check payout reports, donor lists and payment process information through United Way NCA's secure Member Portal. Your organization's log-in credentials are sent to the person designated as the primary contact on your eligibility application. https://secure.uwnca.org/uwnca/epledge/crm/Home/jsp.

How can my organization receive the names and addresses of donors who designated my organization?
Member nonprofits can access check payout reports, donor lists and payment process information through United Way NCA's secure Member Portal. Your organization's log-in credentials are sent to the person designated as the primary contact on your eligibility application. https://secure.uwnca.org/uwnca/epledge/crm/Home/jsp.

How can my organization make the most of our participation in the Combined Federal Campaign?
Here are some ways you can engage donors in the CFC and other workplace campaigns:

Promote your CFC designation code and your United Way designation codes on your organizations Web site, brochures, newsletters and other communications to your supporters. Don't forget to include your "Proud Member of United Way NCA" logo.
Sign up for United Way NCA's Speakers Bureau for your chance to participate in charity fairs and speaking engagements at workplaces around the region.
Make use of the easy-to-use ad templates provided by United Way NCA. These customizable templates allow you to create your own ads that align with both the CFC and United Way NCA brand identity.
Sign up for the Members E-Newsletter and look for additional opportunities like workshops and cooperative advertising options.

How do I sign up for United Way NCA Speaker's Bureau?
Click here to sign up.

Is my organization eligible to apply for a grant from United Way NCA?
Nonprofit organizations that have been members of United Way NCA for one full year are eligible to apply for Community Impact Grants. The grant categories align with our key focus areas of Education, Financial Stability and Health. The online application period begins in the late summer of each year and awards are announced in December. Please see Apply for a Grant for more details.

If you have any questions, our customer service representatives will be happy to assist you. You can reach them at membership@uwnca.org or 703-549-4448.

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Did You Know

The Capital Area Food Bank reports more than 641,000 residents of the Washington region are experiencing or at risk of hunger, including more than 100,000 in Fairfax County alone.

Residents in Ward 8 have to travel far to gain access to a public library. This distance can make it hard for residents to continue to succeed in their education.

Residents in Ward 7 have to travel far to gain access to a public library. This distance can make it hard for residents to continue to succeed in their education.

Residents in Ward 5 have to travel far to gain access to a public library. This distance can make it hard for residents to continue to succeed in their education.

In Ward 8, over 40% of single-family home and condominium sales resulted from foreclosure completions or owners selling under distress.

45.0% of residents living in Ward 8 receive food stamps.

In Ward 7, over 40% of single-family home and condominium sales resulted from foreclosure completions or owners selling under distress.

35.0% of residents living in Ward 7 receive food stamps.

5.0% of residents living in Ward 2 receive food stamps.

9.8% of residents in Ward 4 are unemployed.

3.2% of residents in Ward 3 are unemployed.

6.0% of residents in Ward 2 are unemployed.

In Ward 1, over 40% of single-family home and condominium sales resulted from foreclosure completions or owners selling under distress.

12.0% of people living in Ward 1 receive food stamps.

6.0% of people live below the poverty level in Prince William County.

9.4% of students in Prince William County drop out of high school.

More than 130,000 residents in Prince William County do not have health insurance.

8.9% of students in Montgomery County do not graduate high school.

In Montgomery County, 1 in 6 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

6.7% of people live below the poverty level in Montgomery County.

13.9% of students in Prince George's County do not graduate high school.

7.8% of people live below the poverty level in Prince George’s County.

In Prince George's County, approximately 1 in 4 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

30,000 children in Northern Virginia live in poverty.

In Northern Virginia, 1 in 6 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

In seven out of the eight wards in the city, residents are closer to fast food restaurants than large grocery stores, which could have a negative impact on residents’ health.

17.2% of residents in the District of Columbia live below the poverty level.

19.0% of residents in the District of Columbia receive food stamps.

11.9% of residents in the District of Columbia are unemployed.

22.0% of students in the District of Columbia do not graduate high school.

32% of children live below the poverty level in the District of Columbia.

In the District of Columbia, nearly 1 in 2 children under 18 is at the risk of hunger.

12.5% of residents living in Maryland do not graduate high school.

9.2% of people live below the poverty level in Maryland.

Last year 2-1-1 Maryland answered 240,000 calls around basic needs such as food, shelter, eviction prevention and financial assistance for prescriptions

Ward 8 public schools have the lowest average share of students testing at required standards, only 33% in reading and 32% in math.

Over 28% of residents living in Ward 8 are unemployed.

Nearly 20% of people living in Ward 7 are unemployed.

67% of children living in Ward 6 are below the poverty level.

15.8% of people living in Ward 5 are unemployed.

There are more than 40,000 uninsured residents living in Loudoun County.

6.1% of students living in Loudoun County drop out of high school.

Nearly 8,000 people in Loudoun County live on an income of $20,000 to support a family of four.

10.6% of people in Fairfax County do not have health insurance.

5.6% of people live below the poverty level in Fairfax County.

7.9% of students living in Fairfax County drop out of high school.

10.5% of children in Arlington County live below the poverty level.

9.4% of students in Arlington County drop out of high school.

More than 3,000 people in Northern Virginia are homeless, 10% of these live in Alexandria, Virginia.

In the past year, 2-1-1 has answered approximately 632,000 calls from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia from residents seeking services.

Last year 2-1-1 Maryland answered 240,000 calls around basic needs such as food, shelter, eviction prevention and financial assistance for prescriptions.

In Northern Virginia, 1 in 6 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

In Prince George's County, approximately 1 in 4 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

In Montgomery County, 1 in 6 children under 18 is at risk of hunger.

In the District of Columbia, nearly 1 in 2 children under 18 is at the risk of hunger.

Kids who attend a high quality preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and have higher lifetime earnings.

Every $1 invested in high quality early childhood education saves taxpayers $7.

Upon entering first grade, the average middle-class child has spent 1,000 to 1,700 hours of reading time with picture books; a low-income child averages just 25 hours.

Food stamps last an average of 2 1/2 weeks.

By age three, middle-class children have a vocabulary of about 1,100 words compared to 525 words for low-income children.

According to the Partnership for America's Economic Success, if 50 first graders enter school with reading problems, 44 of them will still have difficulties reading in the fourth grade.

The 2009/2010 official federal poverty level for a family of four is an annual household income of $22,050. 185% of poverty is $40,792, a level at which people still struggle with hunger.

The Rand Corporation states that 90% of a person's brain growth happens before the age of 3.

More than 130,000 residents in Prince William County do not have health insurance.

Our Impact

Success Stories

Autism Society of Northern Virginia: De la Cruz Family Finds Hope through Connection

Kolette De la Cruz tells in her own words how the Autism Society of Northern Virginia helped her family find a ray of hope through connecting with a supportive community.

"I became a member of the Walk shortly after my son was diagnosed with autism. I have two lovely children, Logan (3) and Grace (19 months). My son, Logan was diagnosed with regressive autism at 21 months of age (meaning that he had normal development and then lost all language, communication and social skills). We as a family were devastated. We had just given birth to our daughter when we noticed our son had somehow slipped away from us."