Annual Report

United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 40 countries and territories.  Annually, all United Ways certify their adherence to standards that include comprehensive requirements for financial reporting, governance, ethics, diversity and operations.  United Ways around the world advance the common good by focusing locally on improving education, helping people achieve financial stability, and promoting healthy lives, and by mobilizing millions of people to give, advocate, and volunteer to improve the conditions in which they live. 

United Way volunteers, employees and representatives have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards. We believe these standards go beyond compliance with laws and regulations — calling us to fulfill higher obligations as stewards of the public trust.  United Way of San Luis Obispo County prides itself in adhering to United Way Worldwide's Standards of Excellence, its transparency and our efficient use of resources.  To view our 2011 IRS Form 990, click here; to view our 2012 Independent Auditor's Report, click here.

United Ways around the United States engage in public policy advocacy because we recognize that it is our civic obligation to use our experience and knowledge to help inform policy makers' decisions regarding policy and funding of government human services programs. United Way as a system is a policy leader in the nonprofit community because it helps to craft practical long-term solutions to human needs. It remains non-ideological and non-partisan in its advocacy, urging lawmakers to set aside partisanship and to work together. United Way uses its convening power – bringing together all our partners: business, labor, non-profits, and advocates – to help find policy common ground to advance the common good. United Way Worldwide's Policy Agenda for the 113th Congress helps fulfill our obligation to assist policy-makers in crafting the best possible governmental policies in the areas of Education, Income and Health, and is an important component in United Way's work to meet its 10-year national goals in these critical areas.

Each year we publish an annual brochure to educate and inform the community about the good work that we've accomplished with the help of our volunteers, donors and partners throughout the past 12 months. For the latest edition, please click here or stop by the United Way office to pick up a hard copy.