The Luzerne Foundation in Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally

The Luzerne Foundation in Top Philanthropic Tier Nationally

Local Organization Meets Rigorous Standards for Quality and Accountability

The Luzerne Foundation recently received notification that it has met the nation’s highest philanthropic standards for operational quality, integrity and accountability. The notice comes from the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations, a national professional association based in Arlington, VA.

“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 Luzerne 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 over 500 community foundations already 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 Charles Barber, President and CEO, The Luzerne Foundation. “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 and honor their charitable wishes.. The National Standards confirmation says our house is in order.” Barber continued, “It is especially gratifying to receive this accolade during national Community Foundation Week and national Philanthropy Day celebrated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals here in our community and across the nation.”

The 41 National Standards address six key areas of community foundation operations: Mission, Structure and Governance; Resource Development; Stewardship and Accountability; Grantmaking and Community Leadership; Donor Relations; and Communications.

Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy in the United States and hold nearly $50 billion in assets, according to Foundation Center. Every state in the U.S. is home to at least one community foundation—large and small, urban, and rural—that is advancing solutions to a wide range of social issues. Although community foundations make up only one percent of all U.S. grantmaking foundations, they account for more than 10 percent of all foundation giving.

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The Luzerne Foundation is Here For Good. A public charity, The Foundation helps individuals, families, companies and organizations create funds to do good things today and lasting good for tomorrow. It is a simple, personal and powerful way to give back to the community. For more information about The Luzerne Foundation please contact us at 570-714-1570 or www.luzfdn.org.

The Council on Foundations is an Arlington, VA.-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 Community Foundations National Standards Board, visit its website at www.cfstandards.org. and for more information on the Council, visit its website at www.cof.org.