Community Foundation of Macon County Receives National Recognition
Local Organization Accredited with Rigorous Philanthropic Standards
Macon County — The Community Foundation of Macon County (CFMC) 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. The CFMC was first certified with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® in May of 2006.
“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Randy Royster, board member of the Council on Foundations. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates The Community Foundation of Macon 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. CFMC Director of Finance, Chasity Casey, serves as the Foundation’s National Standards accreditation coordinator and prepared and reviewed all documentation required for accreditation.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Natalie Beck, President and CEO of CFMC. “When people trust CFMC with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up an annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration.”
The CFMC works to meet critical community needs and support local organizations in the areas of social services, education, arts/culture and recreation, conservation, and health.
The CFMC 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 CFMC’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
“The National Standards seal is more than a set of legal guidelines that must be met; it recognizes the commitment we have made to operational excellence.,” said Kris Lutt, CFMC Board Chair. “It articulates to our donors and community partners our commitment to sound policies and accountability that better positions us to promote philanthropy.”
National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® is the first program of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
Established in 2000, The Community Foundation of Macon County stewards more than 380 funds and total assets of $46 million. To date, The Community Foundation has distributed $46 million to charitable organizations and endeavors. For more information about The Community Foundation of Macon County, visit maconcountygives.org.
The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations and is responsible for the quality, value and integrity of compliance with National Standards. For more information on the National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org.
