| WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – The Community Foundation of Wabash County recently received approval from the Council on Foundations for its 2018 renewal of the National Standards accreditation. This accreditation represents a community foundation’s commitment to go above and beyond federal and state law requirements to demonstrate accountability and excellence to communities, policymakers, and the public. National Standards are used by community foundations of all sizes, scopes, and areas of focus throughout the United States. The standards provide vital guidance on how community foundations should operate, distribute funds, and determine impact on the communities they serve. Community foundations face regulation at the state and the federal level. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® accreditation program provides an additional layer of rigorous, sector-driven and enforced accountability. Created over a decade ago, the National Standards seal demonstrates commitment to operational excellence and indicates that accredited institutions will serve as responsible stewards of its contributions as dedicated community partners and leaders. To receive and maintain accreditation status, community foundations must meet and remain compliant with comprehensive standards around the following key areas of excellence: Structure and Governance Resource Development Grantmaking Community Engagement Accountability The Community Foundation executive director, Patty Grant, is proud to have received the National Standards accreditation. She says, “We are very pleased to continue our place in a growing list of over 500 US and 54 Indiana community foundations who have achieved National Standards accreditation. The public trust is our most treasurer asset; it is a privilege to serve and reach for the highest standards in practice and service. ” |