Community Foundation of Warren County
Warren Gives Participation Policy

Purpose:
Annually the Community Foundation of Warren County hosts Warren Gives, a special day when everyone in Warren County can be a philanthropist. This event is designed to connect local donors with nonprofit organizations working to strengthen and enrich our community, raising awareness of our wonderful charitable organizations and encouraging new giving. Through the support of generous donors and sponsors, every dollar given will go even further, thanks to a match pool that will amplify the impact of each contribution.

Qualifications for Participation:

To ensure the integrity and success of the Warren Gives event, the following qualifications should act as our guide for admitting new organizations:

1. 501(c)(3) Status:
   • Participating organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
   • A copy of the IRS determination letter or a current tax-exempt certificate must be provided as proof of eligibility.
   • Organizations must be in good standing with the IRS and must not be under investigation or in violation of any tax-exempt rules.
2. Geographic Focus:
   • Organizations must primarily serve Warren County residents and focus on meeting local needs.
   • Organizations that serve broader regions but have a significant local impact (such as local chapters or programs based in Warren County) may also be eligible.
3. Active Community Engagement:
   • Organizations must demonstrate a strong, active presence in the Warren County community through volunteerism, partnerships, and outreach programs.
   • A well-maintained online presence (website, social media) is required for donors to learn more about the organization.
4. Mission Alignment:
   • The organization’s mission must align with the goals of Warren Gives, which include strengthening our community, addressing local issues, and supporting the well-being of residents.
   • Eligible organizations include those focused on education, health, social services, arts and culture, environment, and community development.
5. Financial Health:
   • Organizations must demonstrate sound financial practices. A copy of the most recent IRS Form 990 (or equivalent financial documentation) must be submitted.
   • Organizations must have at least three years of financial history to ensure operational stability.
6. Non-Discrimination Policy:
   • Participating organizations must have a publicly available non-discrimination policy, ensuring equitable access to services for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
   • Organizations must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws.
7. Transparency and Accountability:
   • Organizations must provide accurate, transparent information about their mission, programs, and financial status.
   • Participants must agree to be listed publicly as part of Warren Gives, including use of their name, logo, and description in event materials.
8. Service Organizations and Social Clubs with Membership Fees:
   • Service organizations or social clubs that require membership fees or dues for participation are not eligible to participate in the Warren County Giving Day.
   • This includes organizations that primarily serve their members, rather than the public, and those that limit benefits to paying members. Warren Gives is meant to support organizations that serve all residents of the community.

Operational Overview For New Applicants

Application Process:

1. • To participate, organizations must complete an official application form by December 31 of the year prior to the event. The application will ask for information about the organization’s mission, financial status, and programmatic goals.
   • The Community Foundation of Warren County will review all applications and verify eligibility. Approved organizations will be notified and included in the event.
   • Late applications will not be considered for participation.

 Event Compliance:

1. • Participating organizations must adhere to all event rules and guidelines set by the Community Foundation of Warren County, including fundraising protocols, donation collection methods, and promotional standards.
   • Organizations must attend any mandatory orientation or training sessions related to the Giving Day event.

Accountability for Funds Raised:

1. • Participating organizations must ensure that all donations and matching funds raised during the event are used in accordance with their mission and stated purpose.
   • Upon request from CFWC, a post-event report detailing the funds raised, how the funds will be used, and the impact of the event must be submitted by participating organizations.

Match Pool and Distribution:

1. • Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, a match pool will be available to amplify all donations made during Warren Gives.
   • Matched dollars will be distributed proportionally among participating organizations based on the total match eligible donations they receive.

100% of Donations and Matching Funds Go Directly to Organizations:

1. • 100% of all donations and match funds raised on Warren Gives will go directly to the participating organizations.
   • The Community Foundation of Warren County covers all administrative and credit card processing fees, ensuring that no portion of donations received are used for operational costs. Every dollar contributed goes directly to support the work of the nonprofit organizations in Warren County.

Contact Information: For questions or assistance, please contact the Community Foundation of Warren County at 310 Second Avenue, Warren, PA, (814) 726-9553, email cfwc@westpa.net, or visit our website at www.warrengives.org

This policy ensures that only eligible, responsible, and community-focused organizations participate in Warren Gives. The generosity of our donors, the match pool, and the Community Foundation’s commitment to covering all administrative costs ensure that every dollar given goes further in supporting our local nonprofits and strengthening Warren County’s future.

Click to download Warren Gives Participation Application