National Standards
The Council on Foundations Seal confirms that the Foundation
for Community Partnerships, Inc. has met the most rigorous standards in
philanthropy.
Foundation for Community Partnerships Meets Rigorous Standards for Quality and Accountability
The Foundation for Community Partnerships, Centreville, recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The designation is bestowed by the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington, D.C., after a rigorous examination of 43 standards and 128 separate indicators of compliance. Of the Council’s 2,100 members, only 200 community foundations have been confirmed in compliance with the national standards.
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“This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Steve Gunderson, Council on Foundations president and chief executive officer. “It says that the Foundation for Community Partnerships has demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability.”
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Frank Kratovil, Foundation for Community Partnerships board member and Queen Anne’s County State’s Attorney. “When people make a charitable bequest, establish a fund or set up an annuity, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards confirmation puts the Foundation in an elite group of community foundations that adhere to the highest standards of philanthropy.”
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The Foundation for Community Partnerships offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the confirmation validates the Foundation’s grant-making practices for the nonprofit community.
“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” said Rick Lerner, Chairman and CEO of BankAnnapolis and Foundation for Community Partnerships board chair. “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.”
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. “Accreditation is a major milestone and one the Foundation has reached in record time,” stated Wayne Humphries, board member. “Through philanthropic services, strategic investments and community leadership, the Foundation for Community Partnerships helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come.”
The Foundation for Community Partnerships is a philanthropic community organization serving the people of the Chesapeake Bay region. Its purpose is to provide a uniquely efficient and cost-effective framework for individuals, families, groups and businesses to financially support non-profit organizations as well as their communities. The Foundation provides personalized service, local expertise and community leadership.
The Council on Foundations is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit membership association of more than 2,000 grant-making foundations and corporations, with assets totaling more than $280 billion. The Council provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. For more information on the Council, visit its website at www.cof.org.