CF National Standards
New Canaan Community Foundation in Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally Local Organization Meets Rigorous Standards for Quality and Accountability
The New Canaan Community Foundation recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity, and accountability. The recognition comes from the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington, DC. The Council, together with leaders in the community foundation field, created National Standards to assist community foundations in establishing legal, ethical, and effective operating practices and provide a tangible set of bench marks for external assessment of performance.
“This accomplishment is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Tom Turrentine, New Canaan Community Foundation Board President. “It says that our Community Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity, and accountability, and we have invested in the resources to deliver on that commitment.”
The National Standards for US Community Foundations Program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. More than 250 of the nations’ 700 community foundations have been confirmed to be in compliance. The program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.
Cynthia Gorey, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have passed this rigorous evaluation of our policies and practices by expert, national reviewers. The 38 National Standards include six key areas of community foundation operations: mission, structure, and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communications.” Mrs. Gorey added, “We owe a debt of gratitude to NCCF Board Member Elizabeth Ker who volunteered to lead this compliance effort, and whose dedication, patience, and perseverance were inspirational to the Foundation team.”
“This validation is critically important to our donors,” said Tom Turrentine. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund at the New Canaan Community Foundation, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on the Foundation to manage the investment wisely and to honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards confirmation says our house is in order. Meeting these National Standards demonstrates our commitment to excellence, accountability, and superior service to our donors, grantees, and community,”
The New Canaan Community Foundation 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. Establishment of these essential resources for donors was coordinated by Debbie Simpson, Director of Philanthropic Giving at the Foundation. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the confirmation validates the Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” said Julianne Grace, New Canaan Community Foundation Board Vice-President. “There’s some truth in that. Grantmaking is a lot like investing. We need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, and monitor performance. When you see the National Standards Seal, you can be assured that the Community Foundation is committed to meeting the highest standards for grantmaking.”
The National Standards for US Community Foundations program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
The mission of the New Canaan Community Foundation is to promote community philanthropy and help donors achieve their charitable goals.
