August 16, 2023 – 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, and 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, grant-making, 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 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.
