Monday, July 6, 2009

Announcing The New Preliminary Accountability Standards

For the last 12 years, the current Accountability Standards of the Charities Review Council have helped strengthen the nonprofit sector and to mobilize informed donors. But a lot has changed economically, demographically, legally, and socially during this period of time and the time had come to update and revise the standards to reflect this.

Over the past year, the Council’s Program Committee has led a process that brought together donors, institutional funders, academics, nonprofit leaders and community representatives to craft a fair set of standards that are sensitive to a wide variety of constituents and will further strengthen an already vital and indispensable nonprofit sector. A preliminary set of the new Accountability Standards were just unveiled last month at the Council’s Annual Forum and we are now embarking on a four-month public input phase to get more feedback before finalizing the new standards this fall.

These Standards are meant to help informed donors and accountable nonprofits, so your feedback is vital. Tell us what you think. We appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing from you!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Charities Review Council to update giving guidelines


Check out today's Star Tribune article "Charities Review Council to Update Giving Guidelines" featuring the Council's proposed new Accountability Standards to be unveiled next week at the Annual Forum.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Charities Meets Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:
Alliance Housing Inc

Friday, May 22, 2009

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

May Is Senior Citizen Month – Tips For Seniors On Charitable Giving And To Avoid Being Scammed


According to the FBI, seniors who own their home, have excellent credit and have a “nest egg” of savings make excellent marks for thieves. Learn more about tips for seniors on charitable giving and how to avoid being scammed ... more

Friday, May 15, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:


Friday, May 8, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations




Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:


Friday, May 1, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations



Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:


Thursday, April 30, 2009

Annual Forum: June 17, 2009

Don't miss this year's Annual Forum "Accountability: Now More Than Ever" featuring the unveiling of the Council’s new draft Accountability Standards, our Report to the Community and guest speaker, Phil Buchanan, president of Center for Effective Philanthropy.

Mr. Buchanan will address the need for foundation and nonprofit leaders to increase their effectiveness and become more accountable. Mr. Buchanan will also debunk some of the myths that still hold sway: that the key to nonprofit effectiveness lies in adopting “business” practices, that nonprofit performance cannot be defined or assessed, and that the sector lacks management talent.

Tickets are $50 each. Seats are limited. Register early.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Taxes and Charitable Giving I.Q. Quiz


Tomorrow is tax day. Test yourself in this fun quiz about taxes and charitable giving.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Charity Meets Accountability Standards: Congratulations



Congratulations to Miracles of Mitch Foundation for completing its Accountability Wizard review and meeting the Council's Standards of Accountability.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Charity Meets Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to Carmen Pampa Fund for completing its Accountability Wizard review and meeting the Council's Standards of Accountability.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Friday, April 3, 2009

Giving and Taxes

It’s that time of year once again – time to file our taxes. If you made charitable donations last year, don’t forget the tax advantages provided under law to encourage charitable giving. Learn more about taxes and giving ... more

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Charity Meets Accountability Standards: Congratulations




Congratulations to Feed My Starving Children for completing its Accountability Wizard review and meeting the Council's Standards of Accountability.

Friday, March 27, 2009

GIVING IN TIMES OF DISASTERS: Red River Flooding

As rising water levels, flooding and evacuation plans consume Fargo and other cities located along the Red River Valley, plans already are underway to help provide much-needed relief and support in the days and months ahead. When disaster strikes and needs are of a critical, urgent nature - what are the best and safest ways to help make the greatest difference to those in need ... more

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Charity Meets Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to Helping Hands Outreach to Elders, Inc for completing its Accountability Wizard review and meeting the Council's Standards of Accountability.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Twittering

The Charities Review Council has joined twitterverse. Hope you'll follow along: http://twitter.com/smartgivers

Friday, March 20, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations




Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability:

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Charities Meet Accountability Standards: Congratulations


Congratulations to the following charities that recently completed their Accountability Wizard reviews and have met the Council's Standards of Accountability.








What's your giving I.Q.?


What's your giving I.Q.? Test your knowledge about youth philanthrophy, tax-exempt organizations and more in this interactive giving I.Q. quiz.


Friday, February 20, 2009

The Habit of Giving


We learn the basics of life at a young age: walking, talking, reading and manners. When learned at an early age, we are able to perfect these skills and teach others. As you teach life skills to children, don't forget to add philanthropy to your list. Learn how you can help kids can develop the habit of giving.