Cedar Falls Community Foundation Receives National Accreditation
April 11, 2017
National Standards Accreditation Affirms Cedar Falls Community Foundation Commitment to Excellence
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has announced that it received accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® in October 2016. This accreditation, signified by the Seal shown here, indicates that the Cedar Falls Community Foundation meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Russell Curtis, President. “When individuals trust the Cedar Falls Community Foundation with a charitable bequest or to establish a fund, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration.”
Curtis continued, “Since 1977 the Cedar Falls Community Foundation has served donors seeking to leave a charitable legacy. National Standards accreditation ensures that the Cedar Falls Community Foundation has policies in place for financial stability and longevity, affirming our continued commitment to our donors, grantees and community. Accreditation also means that the Cedar Falls Community Foundation may offer donors to qualified endowments access to Endow Iowa 25% state tax credits.”
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is one of seventeen accredited community foundations in Iowa. The process of earning National Standards accreditation is arduous. The program requires community foundations to document policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration. That documentation is reviewed by a panel appointed by the Community Foundations National Standards Board, a supporting organization of the Council on Foundations in Arlington, VA.
“Achieving National Standards accreditation was a two year process,” said Cynthia Sweet, Executive Director. “It made us a stronger organization and enables the Cedar Falls Community Foundation to better serve our donors and our community. In 2017, the Cedar Falls Community Foundation may offer donors access to Endow Iowa tax credits. This reduces the cost of donations to qualified endowments and enables donors to make a substantial difference in the community.”
Endow Iowa Tax Credits have been available to Iowans since 2003. The Endow Iowa program’s 25% tax credit makes it easier, more rewarding, and more affordable for donors to give to the causes and the community they care about.
Approximately $6 million in Endow Iowa tax credits are set aside to distribute to those who make gifts to permanently endowed funds at a qualified community foundation. The credits are available on a statewide first-come, first-served basis. In 2016, the tax credits were exhausted by October. Qualified gifts made after that were awarded 2017 tax credits on a first-come first-served basis, significantly decreasing the amount available to 2017 donors. Donors wishing to take advantage of the Endow Iowa 25% state tax credit are encouraged to contact the Cedar Falls Community Foundation at 319-243-9170 or CFCF@cfu.net to discuss their charitable goals.
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is committed to building a stronger Cedar Falls and enhancing quality of life for all residents. With the charitable and philanthropic support of community members, we can make a deep and lasting impact.
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages donations and estate gifts to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation’s mission to use the resources entrusted to its stewardship to support projects that enhance the community’s quality of life through cultural, scholarly, recreational, literary and artistic endeavors.
For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or email: cfcf@cfu.net.
