- Program Civil Society
- Program Area Enhancing Community Philanthropy
- Grant Amount $50,000
- Grant Period January 1, 2006–March 31, 2009
- Location Washington, DC, United States
- Geographic Focus United States
About this grant
In response to the strong desire by U.S. community foundations to forge a consensus on national standards, the Council on Foundations launched a field-wide consultation and debate five years ago. Community foundations believed that national standards would distinguish community foundations from other charitable options, guide sound policies and accountable practices, and build the capacity of community foundations to carry out their missions.As a result, the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations’ project is well under way, with more than 500 community foundations declaring their intent to comply with standards. This grant will enable the council to support the review process; provide technical assistance to community foundations that are attempting compliance; craft policy recommendations that are emerging as a result of the standards work; and foster awareness of the value of the standards process among community foundations and others.The council, founded in 1949, is a membership organization of private, community and corporate foundations, primarily in the U.S. Its mission is to promote responsible and effective philanthropy.