DESIGNATION POLICY

The following information applies only to gifts processed by Greater Twin Cities United Way (hereafter “United Way”).

Making a Designation

United Way understands that some donors choose to direct a portion of their gift to a specific nonprofit organization. Although we process these donor-directed contributions as a service to our donors, United Way is unable to guarantee how designated funds to a specific organization will be used or ensure measurable results by the recipient organization. Any organization receiving designations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or other tax-exempt classification and must comply with the United States Patriot Act by submitting the proper documentation to United Way.

If you wish to make a designation to a specific organization, the following is required:

• Confirm that the organization you wish to donate to follows IRS guidelines (see below).
• Specify the designation amount.
• Provide complete organization information, including the name, EIN, street address, city and state to ensure that your designated gift goes to the right organization—many have similar names.
• Submit designation information at the time of the pledge.

As a part of Greater Twin Cities United Ways adherence to IRS guidelines, all organizations are verified internally through the following processes:

• Validation of 501c3 status using Guidestar.org validation
• Validation of United States Public School status via NCES.ed.gov
• Validation of IRS recognized Churches by obtaining a completed IRS form W-9

Donations made to organizations that do not or no longer meet verification standards will not be processed. This includes organizations that do not deposit designation funds within 12 months of funding disbursement.  United Way will reach out to the donor 3 times. If we do not hear back from the donor, donations will be applied to our general fund. 

Payments to Organizations and Acknowledgment

Designated gifts made to our partner organizations are sent in addition to any existing program funding provided by United Way.

We pay out designated gifts monthly based on payments received on all pledges, including gifts paid through payroll deductions. Gifts paid by cash, check, credit card or stock are distributed to designated organizations in the next scheduled designation payout.

During peak processing windows, we occasionally experience minor processing delays. Although we strive to meet the timelines stated, there is the possibility of unavoidable delays during this time.

The minimum disbursal amount to a designated organization during a monthly payout is $50.00. For any organizations receiving less than $50.00, disbursements will be made in June and December to send any monies accrued that do not meet the minimum threshold.

Donor names (including donor intent for anonymity) and gift details are provided to designated organizations via our secure Designation Portal.

Administrative and Fundraising Costs

Five percent (5%) of all designated gifts is used to cover the costs of fundraising, collecting, processing, and disbursing designated gifts.