Community Foundation for SW Washington receives re-certification from Council on Foundations
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington has been re-certified for the National Standards Seal from the Council on Foundations, a program that requires community foundations to document internal policies and procedures in six key areas of operations including: mission, structure and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grant-making and community leadership; donor relations;…
Anne Digenis, donor services and grants officer at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington says the National Standards Seal assures that the Community Foundation is committed to meeting the highest standards for grant-making.“This seal of approval assures our many constituents of our organization’s ongoing commitment to following best practices, meeting the highest standards of integrity and operating in an ethical manner,” said Community Foundation for Southwest Washington President Richard Melchin. “It certifies our role as a leader within the field of philanthropy and our expertise on the subject of charitable giving within Southwest Washington.”
The Council on Foundations, a national professional association of more than 1,700 grant-making foundations and corporations, created the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations to provide a framework for internal development and a set of common benchmarks for external assessment.
Of the more than 700 other community foundations nationwide, just over 200 have been confirmed in compliance with National Standards.
“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” said Anne Digenis, donor services and grants officer at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. “There’s some truth in that. Grant-making is a lot like investing … we need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. When you see the National Standards Seal, you can be assured that we’re committed to meeting the highest standards for grant-making as well.”
