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______________ Questions? Contact Cindy Walters 775-333-8275 cwalters@uwayreno.org ______________	Partner Agencies Letter of Inquiry Standards of Excellence Assessment Tool United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS) is committed to ensuring that our investors’ contributions are allocated to high-quality, credible organizations. Our Partner nonprofits have gone through a rigorous self-assessment and approval process which measures their business practices against UWNNS’s “Standards of Excellence”. “Partner status” with UWNNS is required in order to apply for funding, although it is not a guarantee of funding. Organizations are tested for their effectiveness and efficiency in the following areas. (Click on topics below for more information)
	GOVERNANCE >>	Knowledgeable, Involved Board; Board Sets/Writes Policy; Board Orientation/Training
	FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY >>	Board Oversight/Review; Financial Administration/Controls; Annual Audit
	LEGAL >>	IRS Nonprofit Status (no less than 2 years); Compliance with State Laws/Regulations and Applicable Licensing
	PROGRAM MANAGEMENT >>	Community Needs Addressed; Collaboration; Program Evaluation
	HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION >>	Agency Structure and Controls; Qualified Staff; Personnel Management
	EQUIPMENT & PHYSICAL FACILITIES >>	Safe and Accessible Facilities
	If your organization desires to apply for UWNNS funding, you will be required to first complete a “Standards of Excellence Partnership Letter of Inquiry”. If it is determined that your organization aligns with UWNNS’s specific focus areas, addressing education (helping children and youth achieve their potential), income (promoting financial stability and independence) and health (improving people’s health), you will be invited to apply for Partner status. Whether or not your organization intends to apply for UWNNS funding, the Standards of Excellence are available to any nonprofit organization desiring to grow and sustain a strong business foundation.