The Northern Indiana Community Foundation recently received accreditation with the nation’s
highest standard for philanthropic excellence. Community Foundations National Standards®
establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.
“Meeting the National Standards benchmarks is a rigorous, comprehensive process,” said Susie
Nelson, board chair of National Standards. “This accreditation is a significant accomplishment
that indicates the Northern Indiana Community Foundation demonstrates a commitment to
transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.”
The Community Foundations National Standards® program requires community foundations to
document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. The
program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and
financial advisors.
“Accreditation through National Standards provides donors assurance that the Community
Foundation is following best practices and making best use of donations,” said Fulton County
Director of Development, Brian Johnson. “Our goal is to ensure that donor contributions are
used to support community needs as directed by the donor. This accreditation offers an
independent review and confirmation that we are honoring those wishes in the best way
possible.”
The Northern Indiana Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs through
supporting local organizations like the Kewanna Food Pantry, Fulton County 4-H,
Compassionate Health Center, and many more.
The Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support
an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend
individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the
accreditation validates the Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
Grant making is one of the most powerful ways we can invest on our community’s future,” said
Corinne Becknell Lucas, incoming NICF Executive Director. “By providing funding to local
nonprofits and initiatives, we help strengthen vital programs, empower leaders, and create
lasting chance. Every grant represents an opportunity to address pressing needs, foster
innovation, and build a more vibrant and resilient community for generations to come.”
NICF
PO Box 807, 227 E 9 th St.
Rochester, Indiana 46975
574-223-2227
www.nicf.org
Community Foundations National Standards® is the first program of its kind for charitable
foundations in the United States.
