Updated at 5:43 p.m. CST

The Ames Police Department has begun an investigation into the United Way of Story County after being notified of a financial discrepancy in the agency’s accounts.

According to information released Friday morning by the United Way of Story County, a “financial discrepancy” was discovered by the non-profit organization’s staff. Employees referred the matter to the United Way Board of Directors.

United Way employees and Board members said they were unable to comment, pending the outcome of the investigation. Deb Krauth, the attorney representing United Way of Story County, said she would not comment.

“On Nov. 22, the United Way Board of Directors contacted our department about the discrepancy, and as a result, the Ames Police Department is conducting an active investigation,” said Ames Police Cmdr. Jim Robinson.

Robinson said no charges or arrests have been made and that the police department does not have any suspects at this time, but is conducting interviews with United Way employees.

“It is believed that this financial discrepancy was discovered through intraoffice policies on handling funds,” he said. “As of now, I can’t provide further comment, as this is an active investigation.”

The organization’s statement indicated that “appropriate steps have been taken internally to address the situation.”

Iowa State is one of 12 divisions of United Way of Story County that helps collect money for the agency’s fund-raising campaign. ISU faculty and staff have given a total of $242,965 to the United Way of Story County through pledges and cash gifts so far this year, according to records.

Iowa State has a group of 30 faculty and staff leaders representing the university’s nine colleges, the ISU Foundation, the Iowa State Center, the ISU Alumni Association, ISU athletic department, University Extension and the Office of the President. Those leaders volunteer to lead United Way’s ISU division.

However, most members were unaware of the investigation.

“I don’t even know what this is about,” said Susan Monk, an ISU Foundation representative for the United Way.

Catherine Woteki, campus chair for the 2004 United Way of Story County Campaign and Dean of the College of Agriculture, said she could not comment on the issue.

“I don’t have any additional information,” Woteki said.

Despite the recent announcement, Monk — a co-chairwoman responsible for collecting individual gifts on campus for United Way campaigns — said she doubts it will significantly affect United Way’s ability to collect gifts.

“I probably, personally, would still give to the United Way,” she said. “They are a good organization. They cover a lot of ground in the community. Although, it totally depends on what’s happening.”

The United Way raises money to support community service agencies to help in efforts to meet health and human services, distributing funds to 30 partner agencies and providing assistance to more than 30,000 Story County residents.

It raised more than $1.55 million from its campaign last year and has recently collected more than $1.12 million of its $1.14 million goal for this year’s campaign.

Robinson said additional information will be provided once the Ames Police Department has concluded its investigation.