After an extensive review process, the Lenawee Community Foundation was recently recertified by the Council on Foundations as fulfilling the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. 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 Council on Foundations is a national, nonprofit association of grant-making organizations, including corporate, private, and community foundations. National Standards verifies legal, ethical and effective operational practices; documents community foundation transparency and financial responsibility; distinguishes community foundations from other philanthropic vehicles; and increases 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.
“Adopting and adhering to the highest standards reinforces our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trust of our donors and our community,” said David Hickman, Chair of the Board of the Lenawee Community Foundation. “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.”
The Lenawee Community Foundation empowers charitable giving and helps donors support causes that they care about. We are Lenawee’s most trusted resource for growing philanthropy that makes a significant impact on the lives of our residents. 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 standards address six key areas of community foundation operations:
- 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.
The Lenawee Community Foundation provides personalized service to individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities to help them achieve their charitable goals. Additionally, donors and prospects receive local expertise, unique giving solutions, and a community partner and leader that is in the business of building community – now and forever.
For more information about the Lenawee Community Foundation or fulfilling your charitable wishes, contact Paula Trentman at 517.263.4696 or paula@lenaweecf.com
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Paula Trentman serves as Vice President & Director of Grants and Programs of the Lenawee Community Foundation. Your Community Foundation assists individuals, corporations, and organizations in fulfilling their charitable goals for our community. For information about how your business, any group, your family, or you can volunteer to build a better community, call 517.263.4696 or contact paula@lenaweecf.com. We would be delighted to be of service as you invest time, talent, and treasure now and forever.