In June of 2000 the United Way of the Greater Winona Area adopted this anti-discrimination clause, which agencies now have to agree to before they can apply for funding.

"(X agency) will not discriminate as to race, creed, religion, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance in any practices - including, but not limited to, practices relating to providing services, recruitment, employment, training, promotion and the termination of personnel and volunteers, and will comply with all applicable laws governing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action."

The Boy Scouts refused to sign the anti-discrimination contract. As result they lost their funding. In an agreement facilitated by the Catholic Church, the United Way changed the terms of the agreement. The Boy Scouts signed the contract with the following caveats.

"United Way recognizes the subordinate relationship between the local Boy Scouts of America councils and their national organization, Boy Scouts of America. United Way understands that it is difficult to change national policies at the local level.

"United Way supports the right of programs to develop and equitably enforce behavioral expectations of participants. United Way will continue to support mission-based programs that target specific age, gender, or disability populations intended to better meet the unique needs of the clients and participants. United Way recognizes the right of funded agencies to determine their programs and services, their policies of operation and to administer their own internal affairs."