The Otsego Community Foundation recently received confirmation that we've earned accreditation with National Standards for Community Foundations™, the highest standards for philanthropic excellence. The OCF first met National Standards in 2014, and in 2019 it was time to resubmit. National Standards for Community Foundations establishes legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere. National Standards is not mandatory; we chose to go above and beyond by affirming our commitment to excellence and accountability. Our accreditation provides assurance that we have sound policies and practices in place. In short, it means we meet the highest standards for local giving. To receive initial accreditation with National Standards, Otsego Community Foundation submitted our policies and procedures to a rigorous review of 41 National Standards in six key areas of community foundation operations, including donor services, investment management, grant-making and administration.
“This is critically important to our donors,” said Bill Forreider, Otsego Community Foundation Chairperson. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, 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 accreditation says our house is in order.”
