INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — United Way Worldwide has announced its selection by Forbes magazine as the largest U.S charity. In addition, United Way has been named one of “Forbes Picks: All-Star Charities,” a newly created category that reflects the organization’s dedication to quality programs, community impact, and organizational efficiency.
“It is an honor for United Way and the thousands of community impact professionals working throughout our network to be recognized as a top charity for our resources, community impact, program quality, and organizational efficiency,” said Stacey D. Stewart, president of United Way U.S.A.
“After 125 years of creating long-term change in communities, United Way continues to create opportunities for a better life for all throughout the United States and around the world,” Stewart added.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through United Way of Indian River County is an example of a high quality community impact partnership program. The VITA program provides free tax preparation services to those with incomes below $50,000 who cannot prepare their own returns.
IRS certified VITA volunteers do more than prepare people’s taxes. They play a critical role in ensuring that low-income workers access valuable tax credits without paying high fees.
Volunteers also provide important information to clients about other free programs such as benefits screening, financial education, and budget coaching.
The efficiency of United Way Worldwide, as noted by Forbes, is also evident at United Way of Indian River County. Administrative costs are below 16%, and 99% of donations stay local.
“We specialize in doing a lot with a little. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. Thanks to our partners, whether they be individuals, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or businesses, we can focus on education, income and health; the building blocks for a good quality of life,” explained Michael Kint, CEO.
For inclusion on the Forbes list, United Way was judged based on the amount of private donations made to the organization; either by individual donors, corporations, partnerships, and other nonprofits.
Forbes included United Way as a financial efficiency all-star based on the overall percentage of donations used in program implementation.
United Way of Indian River County is encouraging people in the community to LIVE UNITED by giving to the annual campaign, helping spread the word about programs and services that help people in need, and volunteering their time and talent to a local cause.
For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED and help create a brighter future for those in need in our community, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website www.UnitedWayIRC.org.
