Lenawee Community Foundation recertified for meeting national standards
ADRIAN — Lenawee County’s community foundation has fulfilled the standards of what it is supposed to do for its community as set forth by the United States Community Foundation’s national standards and because of that was recently recertified.
The Lenawee Community Foundation received its recertification “after an extensive process,” a news release from the foundation said. The certification documents the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, donor services, integrity and accountability. Community foundations that receive accreditation have met specific benchmarks for quality in operations and service that help distinguish them from entities providing similar services, the release said.
National standards verify legal, ethical and effective operational practices; document community foundation transparency and financial responsibility; distinguish community foundations from other philanthropic organizations; and increase the capacity of community foundations to carry out their missions.
“Receipt of this honor ensures that we are accountable, responsive, work with integrity, are equitable and engaged in our community,” the release said.
“Adopting and adhering to the highest standards reinforces our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trust of our donors and our community,” David Hickman, chair of the Lenawee Community Foundation’s board, said in the release. “Our board of directors has always been committed to serving our community with integrity and competence, and the recertification of compliance with national standards emphasizes this commitment.
“We are Lenawee’s most trusted resource for growing philanthropy that makes a significant impact on the lives of our residents,” Hickman continued. “We believe that generosity transforms not only the giver but also the recipient, and increases health, happiness and hope for us all. Now and forever.”
The national standards were developed both as a blueprint for internal organizational development and as a tangible set of benchmarks for external assessment of performance, the release said. The standards address six areas of the operations of a community foundation:
Mission, structure and governance, including standards defining board responsibilities and accountability, independence, fiduciary responsibility and representation of the community.
Resource development, including parameters for administration of funds, disclosures to donors and commitment to building long-term resources for varied community issues and causes.
Stewardship and accountability, covering prudent investment and management of funds, transparent record-keeping, use of funds for their intended purpose, annual audits and public availability of financial information.
Grant-making and community leadership, including standards related to broad and open grant-making programs, responsiveness to community needs and due diligence to assure that donor intent is honored.
Donor relations, encompassing guidelines for informing, acknowledging and involving donors in responding to community needs.
Communications, including openness and frequent communication about activities and finances.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Lenawee Community Foundation meets national standards, recertified
