The Alaska Community Foundation has been re-certified as an organization meeting the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability.
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program requires community foundations to document internal policies and procedures in six key areas of operations: mission, structure and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communication. National Standards compliance indicates that The Alaska Community Foundation is committed to community dialogue, donor disclosure and public scrutiny.
The Alaska Community Foundation first earned the National Standards Seal in 2007 and has continued to meet the extensive slate of updated and rigorous standards every year. Candace Winkler, President and CEO of the Alaska Community Foundation, described the process as a rigorous but crucial examination of Foundation practices. “It is a testament to the strength of the ACF Board of Directors, the dedication and expertise of our staff, and the local leadership of our Affiliates across Alaska,” Winkler said.
The Council on Foundations created the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations to provide a framework for internal development and a set of common benchmarks for external assessment. In total, the National Standards address 41 criteria that community foundations must comply with to receive accreditation. The program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisers, who entrust charitable assets to organizations like The Alaska Community Foundation. In addition to affirming philanthropic services, the confirmation also validates The Alaska Community Foundation’s practices and responsiveness to community needs. This seal of approval from the Council on Foundations assures Alaskans that The Alaska Community Foundation is committed to following nationally recognized best practices, meeting the nation’s highest standards of integrity and operating in an ethical manner.
For more information on the National Standards for Community Foundations, please visit www.cof.org.