The Community Foundation of Dunn County Receives National Recognition

The Community Foundation of Dunn County recently received re-accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.

“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, Chair of the Community Foundations National Standards Board. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Community Foundation of Dunn County demonstrates a commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.”

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. With over 500 community foundations already accredited nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

“This is critically important to our donors,” said Georgina Tegart, Community Foundation of Dunn County executive director. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, 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 accreditation says our house is in order.”

The Community Foundation of Dunn County works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, including supporting the arts, cultivating gardens, curing illness, expanding literacy and feeding children. The Community Foundation of Dunn County offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants.

In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates the Community Foundation of Dunn County’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.

“Grantmaking is a lot like investing,” said Clint Moses, Community Foundation of Dunn County board chair. “We need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. With our National Standards accreditation, you can be assured that we’re doing just that.” National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.

To learn more about the Community Foundation and to receive a copy of it’s latest Annual Report to the Community, please visit www.cfdunncounty.org or call 715.232.8019.

Links:

Map of Accredited Community Foundations: Community Foundation Locator | Community Foundations National Standards Board

Value of Accreditation: National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®