In 2002, United Way of America reorganized its governance structure to strengthen the organization’s leadership and accountability. Annually evaluating board and member performance, including ethical standards, became a part of this effort. A new operating structure was also created, transforming UWA’s governance body into a leadership Board of Trustees with each member possessing key attributes: a passion for United Way’s mission and vision, a commitment to invest time as an active member, an ability and desire to take a system-wide perspective and a demonstrated commitment to his/her community. The board is now comprised of diverse volunteers who are senior representatives of the largest, most influential donors and sponsors, noted intellectual, civic, moral leaders and other stakeholders.

The Board of Trustees helps strengthen the United Way system’s leadership role in nonprofit accountability practices by providing thought leadership on numerous strategically-focused committees.

Finance, Audit and Compliance committee members are charged with fiduciary oversight, including overseeing internal and external audits, and ensuring compliance with financial procedures and federal/state legal requirements.

Community Impact and Resource Development committee members are charged with developing strategic partnerships, including strengthening donor relationships and identifying priority public policy issues.

Governance committee members are charged with the board nomination process, including identifying and nominating individuals representing the diversity of society and overseeing performance and evaluation of current trustees.

For a complete list of current committees and their charges, contact the UWA Director of Governance.

Senate Testimony Transcript
United Way of America’s President and CEO, Brian Gallagher, testified before the Senate in 2005 on governance and accountability in the United Way System and the national nonprofit sector.

Organizational Leadership and Governance Standards of Excellence
Close to 125 local United Way leaders and United Way of America staff worked intensively for six months to identify, research, develop and draft Standards of Excellence for the United Way System. In addition, 70 reviewers provided their insights and input, including 30 experts from leading nonprofit organizations, corporate partners and academia. The result is a set of benchmarks by which United Ways can assess their performance and progress, as a whole and in key areas such as organizational leadership and governance.

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