Mission Statement

Our Mission

To improve measurably the lives of individuals and families in Palm Beach County by uniting the resources of donors, volunteers, agencies and the community. 

Our Vision

To be the community focal point to improve lives in Palm Beach County. 

Our Guarantee

Giving to United Way of Palm Beach County is the best way for you to make a difference in our community. Every gift made to United Way of Palm Beach County is considered an investment in our community, one whose impact will be multiplied when combined with others. 

Guiding Principles and Values

The following are guiding principles and values that describe who we are, what we believe and how we behave. It is a combination of who we are today and who we are striving to become: a community leader, collaborative partner, and solutions provider.

Caring: We are about people helping people. We care deeply about the individual lives that are changed with the help of United Way. We care about improving the overall quality of life in the communities we serve. United Way stands for helping, hope and optimism.

Inspiring: Our style of leadership is to encourage and motivate. Others in the charitable community are inspired by our spirit and actions. Our aim is to guide and empower them.

Innovative: We are the leader and catalyst for change in the business of caring. We do not rest on our laurels. We look for approaches that have not yet been taken. We explore alternatives and seek new ways to solve community problems.

Approachable: We understand the importance of being accessible and empathetic to all those we serve. Our local presence and our intimate understanding of community help us build lasting partnerships. We believe great results come from working together.

Trustworthy: United Way sets high standards for its conduct. We must always be above reproach. The contributions that donors and volunteers make through United Way are investments in their communities. They trust us to be effective, efficient and good stewards of these investments.

Dynamic: United Way is energetic and passionate. We tirelessly pursue building stronger communities. United Way is vital and resolute – a positive force for change.

Results-Oriented: United Way holds itself accountable not just for action, but also for results. We are driven by the commitment to make a real difference in the community we serve. We are in the business of solving community problems.

Code of Ethics

United Way of Palm Beach County’s code of ethics is based on our mission and shaped by our guiding principles and values. United Way of Palm Beach County fervently believes that ethical behavior must be synonymous with our name and reputation. Consequently, ethical policies and practices are an integral part of the organization’s bylaws, board policies and personnel policies. The following is a summary statement of these policies.

Personal and Professional Integrity
A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual and our organization as well as our community. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Strive to meet the highest standards of ethical management, performance, quality, service, and achievement in working toward United Way of Palm Beach County’s mission and goals.
• Communicate honestly and openly, avoid misrepresentation, and promote an environment where honesty, open communication, and differing opinions are valued.
• Promote the organization and its achievements, policies, and practices fairly, accurately, and with full disclosure.
• Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we interact.

Accountability
United Way of Palm Beach County is responsible to its investors, partners, volunteers, and employees – to the entire community. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Promote efficient stewardship of all financial resources, including contributions and grants that are used to pay operating expenses, salaries, and employee benefits.
• Ensure that organizational resources are not used for non-United Way of Palm Beach County business nor for personal expenses unrelated to authorized business expenses.
• Make informed, impartial decisions concerning vendors, partnerships, and investments in local nonprofit programs and services.
• Engage an independent firm to annually audit all finances and financial practices and report results, including recommendations, to the board of directors.
• Provide full and transparent disclosure of relevant, non-confidential information to investors, media, and general public.
• Observe and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations affecting United Way of Palm Beach County.

Diversity
The ability to embrace diversity and to make it an integral part of United Way of Palm Beach County is a business and community imperative. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Encourage the entire community to participate fully in employment, volunteer, and vendor opportunities.
• Strive to reflect the multicultural/multiracial nature of the community in the staff, volunteers, and vendors.
• Refuse to engage in or tolerate discrimination or harassment.

Conflicts of Interest
Public trust in United Way of Palm Beach County could be jeopardized with a conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Refrain from participating in or influencing any decision or other action that could result in direct or indirect benefit to the individual, to personal or family business, or to any nonprofit organization with which he/she is associated.
• Decline any gifts of value, gratuity, or favor in the performance of United Way of Palm Beach County duties or cash payments intended to influence a decision of the organization.
• Disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest annually, including employment or volunteer activities outside of United Way of Palm Beach County.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Ensure that all nonpublic information concerning employees, volunteers, investors, partnership organizations, and others is treated as confidential.
• Disclose confidential or privileged information only for legal, legitimate, and authorized reasons.
• Honor the right of privacy of all people, including investors, vendors, volunteers, and employees.

Political Contributions
United Way of Palm Beach County encourages individual participation in civic affairs. However, United Way of Palm Beach County may not contribute to any candidate or political committee. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Refrain from contributing to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of United Way of Palm Beach County.
• Refrain from engaging in political activities in a manner that may create the appearance that such activity is by, or on behalf of, United Way of Palm Beach County.
• Refrain from using any organizational financial resources, facilities, or personnel to endorse or oppose a candidate for public office.

Solicitations
The most responsive investors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. Therefore, all employees and volunteers:

• Promote citizen involvement through investments and volunteerism.
• Provide investors and potential investors with timely, accurate information about community needs as well as United Way of Palm Beach County’s accomplishments and aspirations.
• Refrain from any use of coercion in fund-raising activities and encourage organizations running a workplace campaign to do the same.