UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL MARYLAND AGAIN EARNS SEAL OF EXCELLENCE
United Way passes ethics and accountability standards to be re-certified

Baltimore, MD (November 10, 2008) – On Friday, United Way of Central Maryland was again awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization’s Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence re-certification program.

A peer review team examined United Way for compliance with Maryland Nonprofits ethics and accountability code for the nonprofit sector.

“United Way is proud that the high standards we hold ourselves to were once again recognized by MANO,” said United Way President Larry E. Walton. “It is important for nonprofit organizations to maintain credibility and have high transparency and we make great efforts to ensure both.”

The standards are based on values such as honesty, integrity, accountability and responsibility. United Way’s programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were re-examined in depth before the certification was again awarded.

United Way has held the certification for the last six years. The program began 10 years ago in 1998. United Way is one of nearly 80 nonprofits across the state and 200 across the country to have earned this seal.

For more than 80 years, United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) has been the region’s human service leader. Its mission is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities. UWCM supports programs and initiatives in the city of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. UWCM is dedicated to education, income and health & safety - making sure children get the early child care they need to succeed in school, that young adults graduate, that families have the means to access affordable and stable housing and that people are free from violence and abuse at home. By encouraging all people in central Maryland to give, advocate or volunteer, UWCM wants to show the power of living united. It’s about connecting people and creating communities. For more information, visit www.uwcm.org or call 410.547.8000.