United Way of Greater Houston

What it reported doing in 2024

Community Outreach - See Schedule OCommunity Outreach services/programs: 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE - In 2024, the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE connected 1.3 million of our neighbors with help, hope, and critical resources, via phone, live chat, text, and email. With 20+ years of experience, new partnerships, and more ways than ever to connect, 211 is proud to be one our community's most valuable resources. The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE operates 24/7, 365 days per year, and is a free and confidential service staffed by trained information and referral specialists who speak a variety of languages and find real answers for callers as they work the largest helpline of its kind in the country with one of the most comprehensive social services databases in the state. United Way Centers - United Way Centers across our 4-county region increase access to and availability of health and human services in our community in the Bay Area, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County through agencies providing programs like financial and employment coaching, physical and behavioral health care, basic needs assistance, youth programs and disaster response. The centers house 41 nonprofit agencies, offering essential services tailored to each region's needs. Through in-kind support valued at over $1 million, our Centers helped agencies expand services, deliver services more efficiently, and deepen their impact across the region. In 2024, our Centers welcomed over 60,000 individuals serving as trusted hubs for community connection, access to critical services, and local collaboration. Nearly 20,000 guests/visitors utilized our conference rooms for community events, workshops, and nonprofit programming, underscoring our Centers' role as go-to spaces for convening and collective impact.United Way Nonprofit Connection - For more than 30 years, United Way Nonprofit Connection has been Houston's primary nonprofit resource for developing emerging leaders, building dynamic and engaged boards, and helping nonprofits operate effectively. United Way does this through innovative programming such as the Power Tools for Nonprofits conference, Emerging Leadership Institute, annual Board Fair, Project Blueprint program and other leadership development programs. In 2024, the 32nd annual Power Tools welcomed over 800 attendees to its annual Nonprofit Power Tools Conference featuring a day of knowledge-building and networking for nonprofit professionals. Special programming such as the Government Funding Initiative enabled nonprofits to diversify their funding base in order to become more financially sustainable. Nonprofit Connection provided an array of board and organizational development services for more than 119 nonprofit organizations, created job posting opportunities for 176 nonprofits and 728 individuals via its free online Job Bank. In addition, Nonprofit Connection offered 48 workshops on relevant and timely topics for more than 1,430 individuals.United Way's Community Resource Center, located at our 50 Waugh Drive building, is a space dedicated to community leadership, organizational development, and volunteer service. Our Community Resource Center serves as a central gathering place for community groups that include area nonprofit and community development organizations, civic groups, and collaborative and grassroots initiatives. Eligible nonprofit organizations have access to spacious conference rooms, a variety of meeting rooms, and an auditorium, free of charge during United Way's business hours, to solve community issues, promote collaboration, and encourage mutual understanding among diverse constituencies. It is made available at no/low cost to nonprofits and community organizations. In 2024, United Way welcomed its one millionth visitor to the Community Resource Center.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 73.9%; rating input score 74
• Program expense ratio: 83.8%; rating input score 84
• Fundraising efficiency: $11.51 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 45; 45th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 94.7%; rating input score 95; 33rd 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: Missing
  • Written employment contract: Missing
  • Compensation survey or study: Pass
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 99.4%; rating input score 99; 40th 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; 77th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 9 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 12.4%; rating input score 78; 78th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.43; rating input score 52; 52nd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.35; rating input score 50; 50th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 3.6%; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: -1.8% per year; rating input score 0; 4th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: -0.7% per year; rating input score 0; 4th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: -0.3% per year; rating input score 0; 7th percentile among comparable filings