Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland in Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally

Local Organization Meets Rigorous Standards for Quality and Accountability

Lakeland, FL - The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland 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 the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland 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 only 200 of more than 700 community foundations 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 Kimberly Brock, the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland president. "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."

The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland 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 Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland's grant making practices for the nonprofit community.

"Some say it's easier to create wealth than give money away wisely," said Kelly Norton, Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland board chair. "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 investing."

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, the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland helps people support the causes they care about, now and for generations to come.