United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra

Agency Appeals Policy and Procedures

Introduction

United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra’s (UWNNS) Allocation process provides a flexible and reasoned vehicle so the community can identify, evaluate, and support the effective delivery of human services to achieve identified community-wide outcomes. It reflects a strong conviction that a volunteer-led process is the most effective way to make informed decisions synthesizing a wide range of factors. It also assures accountability to the community for resources used to deliver services.

To ensure that all applicants receive full and equitable consideration for funding, a participant may appeal to UWNNS Allocations Subcommittee. Participants contemplating an appeal should bear in mind that the judgment of the Subcommittee will be respected unless it is clearly apparent that there was a misunderstanding or error.

Basis for Appeal

UWNNS recognizes that most nonprofit agencies could use additional resources. Therefore, agencies may not submit an appeal based solely on their dissatisfaction with a funding award or on their need for additional funds. To be considered valid, an appeal must be based on one or more of the following:

  • Significant new information that was not available during the Citizen Review Process at the time the decision was made;
  • Substantial factual error, misunderstanding or incorrect analysis of key information by the United Way or its volunteers;
  • Denial of due process to the agency by the Council during the course of the decision-making.
    •

    NOTE: The fact that an agency wishes to reemphasize points already presented is not considered a valid basis for an appeal.

    Procedure

    The procedure governing appeals should be in accordance with the following rules:

  • The first step in an appeal is to make a formal request to the UWNNS Allocations Subcommittee. Notice of the agency’s intent to appeal must be made in writing within ten (10) working days from the date of notification from UWNNS. Written intent to appeal is to be sent to: Jowel Laguerre, Allocations Subcommittee Chairperson, United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra, P. O. Box 2730, Reno, NV 89505-2730.
  • The reason for the appeal must be cited and accompanied by full substantiating data showing there was a misunderstanding or error in the evaluation of the material presented or of the request for funds.
  • The Allocations Subcommittee will notify the agency within ten (10) working days from the receipt of the appeal whether or not further action will be taken by the Subcommittee.
  • If the Subcommittee determines further action should be taken, the agency will be notified that a hearing will be conducted and a time and date will be set.
  • The Subcommittee will consider the evidence presented by the agency and its decision will be reported, in writing, to the agency within ten (10) working days after the hearing.
    •