San Diego, CA October 25, 2006 – The San Diego Foundation has been recognized for having organizational and financial practices that are in accordance with the rigorous Council on Foundations’ National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Of the 700 community foundations nationwide, only 270 have been awarded the National Standards Seal, which indicates integrity and demonstrated excellence in the field.
“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 The San Diego 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, grantmaking and administration. With 530 community foundations nationwide committed to compliance, the program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.
“Adopting and adhering to high standards is the best way we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trust of our donors and the entire community,” said Bob Kelly, President & CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “We are committed to reaffirming the integrity that is a hallmark of The San Diego Foundation. We look at this as a part of our role as a leader in the philanthropy sector’s movement toward greater accountability and transparency.”
The San Diego Foundation is to date, the only foundation in the San Diego region to receive this honor. The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program is the first of its kind for charitable foundations in the United States.
About The Council on Foundations
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.
About The San Diego Foundation
Founded in 1975, The San Diego Foundation is a broad-purpose community foundation helping individuals, families and organizations carry out their charitable plans, with the common goals of improving the quality of life in the greater San Diego region, now and for generations to come.
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Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.