Community Foundations Standards


Drafted by representatives of 12 organisations - members of CF Network and the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy.
September 2000

1. The term "community foundation" should be included in the official name of the organisation.
2. The Community Foundation must be a legally registered entity; statutory goals of the organisations, its apolitical character and independence in taking decisions must be unquestionable.
3. Mission of each Community Foundation - regardless of how it is formulated - is to work for the benefit of the defined local community.
4. The Community Foundation is entitled to adjust its internal regulations for the needs of co-operation with the given donor, managing various funds and distribution of various forms of financial support.
5. The Community Foundation can build capital endowment.
6. The Community Foundation has fixed procedures and regulations related to raising funds that guarantee transparency and objectivity of decision-making.
7. The Community Foundation operates in compliance with legal regulations. All the obligations need to be prepared in form of written documents.
8. All the documents concerning the CF operations are available to the public, unless any donors want to remain anonymous and conceal the information about their support.
9. The Community Foundation undergoes regular audits and internal evaluation.
10. The Community Foundation holds continuous monitoring and regular evaluation of its operations. The CF develops its methodology and system of constant evaluation of its services for local community.
11. The Community Foundation has a defined structure and scope of work for people involved in its operations, with special attention to responsibilities for crucial decisions.
12. Operations of the Community Foundation are based on the strategy and operational plans.
13. The CF has all the essential equipment (computer, printer, modem, telephone, fax, answering machine, Xerox copier).
14. The CF has appropriate premises allowing for realisation of its goals and suitable for the character of its operations.
15. The CF maintains contact with donors and partners; both in Poland and abroad.
16. The CF prepares and distributes annual reports and other informational materials on its operations.
17. The CF maintains contact with media.
18. The CF has permanent financial advisors.
19. Operational costs should not exceed 20% of the annual income of the CF.
20. The CF has clear policies and procedures excluding conflict of interest.
21. The CF has clear and transparent accounting system providing donors with full information on allocation and effectiveness of their operations.
22. The CF constantly raises funds and involves the whole community into fundraising efforts.
23. The CF involves volunteers.
24. All decisions concerning awarding grants are made by appropriate voluntary commission or board composed of representatives of donors and leaders of the local community. Decisions are public.
25. The CF implements charitable goals selected by the donors, it provides possibility to establish perpetual funds of their name or any name chosen by the donor.
26. The CF co-operates both with companies and individual donors regardless of their branch and size.
27. When offering a donation for Community Foundations, you can use the related 10% or 15% tax breaks, in conformity to the Corporate Income Tax Act of February 15th 1992.
28. Any questions and inquiries are answered immediately.