United Way of Central New York Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Ca$h coalition: united way of central New York administers the ca$h coalition (creating assets, savings & hope), convener of organizations and businesses dedicated to promoting financial stability and asset-building opportunities for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families in onondaga county. The ca$h coalition oversees free tax preparation services through the vita (volunteer income tax assistance) program. Total returns were 2,760 generating returns of $3.68m.2-1-1:2-1-1 cny is an information and referral service launched in february 2015 that serves onondaga, oswego, madison, jefferson, lewis, and st. Lawrence counties. It is supported by nys, onondaga county, and united way. In the past twelve months, the total number of calls/texts to 211 cny between 7/1/24 and 6/30/25 was 34,509.regional volunteer center: united way of central New York coordinates a comprehensive volunteer center serving cayuga, cortland, madison, onondaga, and oswego counties. Our volunteer center was actively involved in pandemic relief efforts. We connected 3,419 people to volunteer opportunities within the community, including volunteercny, day of caring, and community drives. The day of caring in 2024 mobilized 1,444 volunteers, logged a total of over 4,332 hours on our day of caring, completing 100+ projects at local nonprofits and community organizations. The value of that time can be calculated at over $150k! We also completed the following drives during the fiscal year:- 2024 care package that built approximately 1,800 care packages.- 2024 book drive that provided over 5,000 books.- 2025 share the warmth/mlk day of service: that provided over 1,000 coats and winter items.- 2025 united for moms that provided 225 bags.leadsafe cny coalition: in march of 2024, united way of cny became the home of the leadsafe cny coalition and hired a director. The coalition is focused on eradicating lead poisoning, assisting/educating affected families, and connecting people to testing, remediation, and healthcare. Thrive at work: this program provides on-site financial coaching and education to help employees navigate financial challenges and build stability.book buddies: a tutoring program, in partnership with the syracuse city school district, that trains and places volunteers in elementary schools to work with children in grades k-3.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 85.8%; rating input score 86
• Program expense ratio: 85%; rating input score 85
• Fundraising efficiency: $9.32 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 35; 35th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Pass
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 1.1%; rating input score 38; 38th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.13; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.51; rating input score 21; 21st percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 3.4%; rating input score 66; 66th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 1.1% per year; rating input score 100; 18th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 0.5% per year; rating input score 100; 13th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 0.8% per year; rating input score 100; 15th percentile among comparable filings