The Community Foundation of NCW (CFNCW) has received reconfirmation of accreditation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board (CFNCSB), effective for the next 5 years.

“With this achievement you continue to be a part of a group of community foundations that has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operation quality, integrity, and accountability” read the official letter signed by CFNSB President Hugh Ralston. “National Standards accreditation is a commitment to transparency, excellence, stewardship, and leadership. The ultimate rewards… are the credibility it brings to community foundations and the confidence it gives donors, professional advisors, and others who seek a qualified, trustworthy philanthropic partner.”

To receive accreditation, community foundations must demonstrate that they meet 41 National Standards benchmarks in six key areas:

• mission, structure and governance;
• stewardship and accountability;
• donor relations;
• resources development;
• grantmaking and community leadership;
• and communications.

“Volunteering for the Community Foundation is exceptionally rewarding” said Gil Sparks, CFNCW board member and attorney at Ogden Murphy Wallace.”We have the opportunity to learn about many of the non-profit organizations in our service area and the valuable services they offer, along with selecting and distributing a wide array of scholarships to some very talented and deserving individuals. I am honored to serve our communities through involvement with the Community Foundation of North Central Washington.”

The Community Foundation’s mission is to grow, connect, and protect charitable gifts in support of strong communities. The foundation manages a permanent endowment that provides resources to improve and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Providing various grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit agencies is a primary way the foundation helps to make a difference in NCW communities, along with training and professional development for the nonprofit sector and offering over 70 scholarships awarded to students annually across the region who are continuing their education.

Established in 1986, the foundation manages over $43 million in assets and to date has awarded over $26.6 million in grants and scholarships.