MIDDLETOWN — At the Middlesex United Way, we take accountability seriously. We know that if we cannot be trusted, then we cannot be truly effective in our community.
This past week, our Board of Directors met and reviewed and approved our recently completed audit and 990. Each year, an independent CPA firm audits the books and provides an audit and management letter to United Way’s Board of Directors. We are happy to announce that the findings this year, like every year on record, have never been less than stellar.
Independent auditors also audit funded agencies.
United Way’s Board of Directors meets six times per year, and discusses and approves financial statements at every meeting. The Middlesex United Way also has a Finance Committee, composed of volunteers with expertise in financial management and governance, review and monitor the day-to-day fiscal operations of Middlesex United Way, including reviewing the budget.
These volunteers meet at least four times a year. Our Investment Committee, composed of volunteers with expertise in financial planning and investments, meet at least twice annually to review and monitor all investments of the Middlesex United Way.
Our top priority is working toward creating a better Middlesex County. Every day, we try to find new opportunities to bring good to our community. We have found that the best way to stay on course with this critical work is to ensure we are transparent, held accountable, and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Transparency is not just crucial for our actions, but just as important for the contributions we are tasked with distributing. Our investments and donor dollars are rigorously tracked and audited throughout the year. We work to ensure every generously donated dollar goes to a deserving cause.
Middlesex United Way invests donors’ gifts in the highest quality programs throughout Middlesex County. These programs are ones that make measurable progress toward our goals in our four focus areas of education, health, housing and financial stability.
We strive to have the biggest and most positive impact in all our endeavors, and that takes quite a bit of strategizing. We take distributing donor dollars very seriously, and make sure, through mid-year reports, site visits and final reports, we are directing funds to the most capable partners in the county.
Merriam-Webster defines stewardship as “... the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” We are stewards of the support provided to us and ensure responsible, sound fiscal decision making. Every dollar is used powerfully and efficiently to make the most significant positive impact.
Middlesex United Way has adopted a code of ethics, and is committed to operating at the highest ethical standards, including complying with generally accepted accounting principles, providing full and fair disclosure of all relevant information, and spending donor money efficiently, objectively and honestly.
We encourage you to visit our website at middlesexunitedway.org to view our most recent audit as well as our frequently asked questions to learn more about how we do the work that we do.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
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