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Established in 1956, the Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. The Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants—a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit the Center's Web site each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and its network of more than 470 funding information centers located in public libraries, community foundations, and educational institutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call (212) 620-4230.
The National Standards Seal represents official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that a community foundation has met the most rigorous standards for community foundations. The seal affirms the community foundation’s commitment to financial security, transparency, and accountability and says the organization’s grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of its community.
The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations Program was established in 2000 to guide community foundations by establishing legal, ethical, and effective operational practices that serve as blueprints for internal development and benchmarks for external assessment. The 41 National Standards require a community foundation to document its policies in donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration. To receive confirmation of National Standards compliance, a community foundation submits its organizational and financial policies and procedures to a rigorous peer review.
The Community Foundations National Standards Board is a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations, created to administer the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The Community Foundation National Standards Board carries out and advances the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation process by ensuring the integrity of the process and building the value of confirmation of compliance for the community foundation field and greater community. More information about the organization and program is available at www.cfstandards.org.