Kitsap Community Foundation Meets Rigorous National Standards for Quality and Accountability

Bremerton, WA – The Kitsap Community Foundation recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability.

The notice comes from the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Washington, D.C.“This is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal for community foundations,” said Steve Gunderson, Council on Foundations president and chief executive officer. “It says that Kitsap Community Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to operational quality, integrity and accountability.”

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 more than 200 community foundations already confirmed in compliance nationwide, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

“This is critically important to our donors,” said Don Poggi, Kitsap Community Foundation Chair. “When people make a charitable bequest, establish a fund or set up an annuity, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely, honor their charitable wishes and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one. The National Standards confirmation says our house is in order.”

Poggi also wanted to recognize Jennifer Green, the Foundation’s former Executive Director, for her dedication and perseverance in compiling the required documents and ushering the application through to its final, and successful, outcome. “It was a tremendous achievement and the Foundation is grateful for her commitment,” said Poggi.

Kitsap Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause such as education or the environment, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. 

“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” said Anne Blair, Kitsap Community Foundation, Secretary. “There’s some truth in that. Grantmaking is a lot like investing…we need to assess risks, weigh potential gains, diversify assets, monitor performance and operate fairly. When you see the National Standards Seal, you can be assured that we’re committed to meeting the highest standards for grantmaking as well.”

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States. Through philanthropic services, strategic investments and community leadership, Kitsap Community Foundation helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come.                 

The Council on Foundations is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit membership association of more than 2,000 grantmaking foundations and corporations, with assets totaling more than $280 billion. The Council provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good.

For more information on the Council, visit its website at www.cof.org.