The Berrien Community Foundation recently received notification that it has again met the nation’s highest standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The notice comes from the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a national accreditation organization associated with the Council on Foundations.
“This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Diane Miller, manager, Community Foundations National Standards Board. “It says that the Berrien Community Foundation has again demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability.”
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundation’s program requires community foundations to document its policies for donor services, investments, grant making and administration. With more than 450 of the 1,200 community foundations already confirmed in compliance nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to its legal and financial advisors.
In order to achieve Confirmation of Compliance with the National Standards, the Berrien Community Foundation again underwent an extensive review of its organizational and financial policies and procedures by experienced community foundation practitioners. This review is required every five years to maintain compliance. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
“Adopting and adhering again to these standards of excellence is the best means by which we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trust of the donors, volunteers, grantees, and communities we serve,” said Dr. Nanette Keiser, president, Berrien Community Foundation. “These standards support our mission of building a spirit of community and enhancing the quality of life in Berrien County and beyond.”
The Berrien Community Foundation was founded by William Vawter and other local leaders in 1952. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in Berrien County and build a spirit of community through building mainly endowments, providing donor services and grants and serving as a facilitative community leader in Berrien County. For more information, visit www.berriencommunity.org.