DCF In Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally

The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) recently was reaccredited with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., (DCF) recently was reaccredited with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. The notice comes from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®, which establishes legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations everywhere.

“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 Dearborn Community Foundation 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 more than 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.

“This is very important to our donors,” said Fred McCarter, Executive Director of the Dearborn Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest, establish an endowment fund or set up an annuity, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage the investment wisely and to honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards confirmation says our house is in order.”

DCF, which was first accredited with the National Standards seal in 2009, 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. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the confirmation validates the Foundation’s grant-making practices for the non-profit community.

“Some say it’s easier to create wealth than to give money away wisely,” McCarter said. “There’s some truth in that. Grant-making 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 Dearborn Community Foundation, Inc., is a catalyst to connect people who care with causes that improve the quality of life in our community by advancing cultural, educational and social opportunities, while preserving our community’s heritage and helping donors to create a permanent legacy in Dearborn County. For more information about DCF, visit our website at www.dearborncf.org.