• United Way of Tulare County

    Affiliate Application 2027
  • Thank you for applying for Affiliate status with United Way of Tulare County

    The UW affiliate application is due online on November 6, 2026 at 3 pm
  • Make sure to save during the process and hit submit when done.

    All questions require an answer or the application will not submit. Please hit save throughout the process. There is a feature to save and email to continue or saving the link to your application. Saving the link works best. You can save without creating an account (look for the skip creating account if you choose). Please make sure to save your link or email to get back into your application. UWTC staff will not have access until you hit Submit.
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  • What percentage of funding makes up your Annual Organization budget?*
  • Is your organization required to be licensed and or certified?*
  • Is your organization currently listed in our 211 database system as a resource?
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    • Standards of Excellence & Document Upload  
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    • Standards Of Excellence

      Please complete the standards below. Answer to the best of your ability. Answering no may not impact your eligibility.
    • 1. Mission and Vision

      The organization has a clearly stated mission, and a clear, compelling vision approved by the board, in pursuit of improving the lives of the people it serves.
    • The organization has a written mission statement and it is reviewed and approved by the board.*
    • 2. Administration

      The organization delivers high-quality operational support of its business, supporting human resources administration, finance, and information technology.
    • The organization carries adequate liability insurance that includes dishonesty/fidelity bond and Directors/Officers that protects the organization’s assets.*
    • Quarterly and annual Federal and State payroll filing are current.*
    • The organization has security safeguards in place to protect the privacy of files and records.*
    • The organization has a comprehensive written business continuity plan to ensure appropriate and timely internal actions following major crises, disasters or loss of key staff.*
    • 3. Human Resources

      The organization has a written policy that includes affirmatively equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to any individual’s sex, race, color, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer), age, gender, marital status, registered domestic partner status, status as a special disabled or Vietnam-era Veteran or the need for family care leave.
    • The organization has an up-to-date HR policies and procedures manual which is provided and signed by all employees to acknowledge receipt and kept in each employee file.*
    • The organization has a policy requiring background checks and fingerprinting of all potential employees and volunteers working with children and youth.*
    • The organization maintains current job descriptions for all staff and employee records are current. (ie W-4 and I-9)*
    • The organization provides employees on-going opportunities for professional development through activities such as: attending workshops, specialized training, coaching, etc.*
    • 4. Diversity

      The organization adheres to a policy that ensures volunteers and staff reflects the diversity of the community it serves.
    • The organization has a written diversity statement/policy.*
    • 5. Governance

      A board of directors that is effective in setting direction for the organization, ensuring necessary resources and providingoversight of programs, finances, legal compliance, and values.
    • The organization has a written process for board recruitment and training. Board members are provided a written job description that clearly outlines general and legal responsibilities. Orientation for new board members includes personal, legal, and ethical responsibilities in the governance of this organization. The organization has a written process for board recruitment and training. Board members annually verify in writing that they have reviewed the organization’s Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy.*
    • The board includes at least two members with strong financial and accounting experience (understanding of balance sheets, profit and loss statement, etc…).*
    • The board meets at least quarterly and approves the organization’s operating budget, annual audit, and IRS form 990. Board packets are distributed at least 3 days in advance of meetings and include at least an agenda, minutes, and financial statements.*
    • Board members make annual financial contributions to the organization and/or actively participate in organization’s fundraising activities.*
    • Board members periodically rotate off the board.*
    • 6. Planning

       The organization establishes short and long-term goals and identifies strategies to accomplish them.
    • A written strategic plan is in place creating the future of the organization, including measurable objectives, strategies, timeline and accountables.*
    • Reports are prepared during the year measuring progress toward objectives, explanations for variances, and changes in course as a result of lessons learned.*
    • 7. Financial Practices

       In order to maintain the public’s trust, the organization has written policies and procedures in place to ensure strong financial management, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and internal controls over all of the organization’s resources that help further its mission.
    • The organization has written accounting / financial policies and procedures that are followed.*
    • The organization has an active Finance Committee that meets at least quarterly.*
    • The organization has written board approved, sound and prudent investment policies and financial practices.*
    • The organization maintains an independent Audit Committee.  (if gross revenues = $2 million or more)*
    • Financial statements are prepared on a timely basis and reviewed with the board by a member of the Finance Committee at least quarterly. Financial statements include a balance sheet, profit and loss statement of income and expenses, and budgeted income and expenses, as well as year-to-date totals as compared with budget. Variances in budget to actual are explained in writing to the Finance Committee and the board by the C.E.O/C.F.O.*
    • Staff, board members, and volunteers who handle cash or investments are bonded to safeguard those assets.*
    • The organization has a written policy identifying authorized check signers and the number of signatures required on checks in excess of specified dollar amounts. All expenses of the organization are approved by a designated person before payment is made.*
    • The board of directors, or an appropriate committee, solicits bids, interviews auditors, and hires an auditor to audit the organization’s books.*
    • An annual audit is conducted, for organizations with annual budgets of $250,000.00 or more, by an independent Certified Public Accountant whose examination complies with generally accepted auditing standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).*
    • An annual review is conducted, for organizations with annual budgets of $250,000.00 or less, by an independent Certified Public Accountant whose examination complies with generally accepted review standards and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).*
    • The audit or review and the IRS Form 990 are presented to the full board by the independent Certified Public Accountant for adoption. The board monitors compliance with findings described in the management letter, if one is issued.*
    • Government contracts, purchase of service agreements, and grant agreements are in writing and are reviewed by a staff member and a board officer / committee of the organization to monitor compliance with all stated conditions.*
    • The organization has established a reserve of funds to cover at least three months of operating expenses.*
    • The organization prepares and distributes (printed copies or electronic format posted on organization’s website) to donors, community, and other stakeholders, an Annual Report which includes program accomplishments and audited financial statements.*
    • 8. Internal Controls

      The organization properly ensures the accuracy of financial statements, safeguards assets and maintains an appropriate separation of duties for all financial transactions and functions by maintaining effective internal controls.
    • The organization maintains a set of written internal controls, including the handling of cash and deposits, approval over spending, and disbursements, petty cash, spending authority/limits, ordering of supplies, authorized check signatures, and other financial transactions. These policies and procedures are reviewed by the finance/audit committee*
    • 9. Public Reporting and Transparency

      The organization is open and candid about its activities and operations.  It provides public access to documents appropriate to ensure transparency in governance, finances, and ethical matters.
    • The organization adheres to a written code of ethics for volunteers and staff which include provisions for ethical management, publicity, fundraising practices, and full and fair disclosure.*
    • The organization has a written Conflict of Interest Policy which is adhered to by staff, board, and  other volunteers. The organization promotes a culture of ethical behavior at all levels and encourages employees and volunteers to communicate any known or suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate person.*
    • The organization provides public access to documents about its activities and operations such as   the IRS Form 990, audited financial statements, and annual report.*
    • 10. Legal

       The organization complies with all applicable legal, local, state, and federal operating and reporting requirements.
    • The organization promotes itself as an equal opportunity employer, has access to legal counsel*
    • The organization has and adheres to a written policy to protect whistle-blowers from retaliation.*
    • The organization has and adheres to a written policy to prevent individuals from tampering with or destroying records so as to impede an official proceeding.*
    • 11. Facilities

      The organization provides a safe, welcoming physical environment that is accessible, practical, recognizable, and expressive of the organization’s mission.
    • Facilities are adequate for staff and program needs and meet local, state, and federal safety standards as applicable. The organization provides a safe work environment through the creation and implementation of a building security plan, procedures and protocols, and a physical structure that is up to code, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Occupational  Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and other applicable laws and regulations.*
    • The organization maintains a healthy and productive workplace by providing job- appropriate workspace and equipment designed to enhance productivity.*
    • 12. Technology

      The organization provides a reliable IT environment that includes infrastructure, training, maintenance and support: leverages leading –edge applications and architecture to support open access, integrated solutions and a high degree of security.
    • The organization has a written technology plan guiding what IT systems to have in place and has adopted policies that guide staff and volunteers on appropriate use of equipment, internet and social media.*
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    • Funding Application: In order to qualify for funding the Affiliate Application must be reviewed. If approved, your organization will be invited to apply for funds.  
    • Board Member Roster (Click on each area and add as needed)*
    • Board President & CEO/ED Signatures 
    •  Board President & CEO/Exec Signature Page

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    • Board and CEO Signature Page (Print, sign and upload)

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