Gulf Coast Maintains Accreditation with National Standards

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has renewed its accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®.

Administered by the Community Foundations National Standards Board, the accreditation is considered the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence. Gulf Coast Community Foundation was among the first community foundations to earn the designation back in 2006, and it has remained accredited since then.

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® establish legal, ethical, and effective practices for community foundations. The National Standards program requires foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration. It is designed to provide quality assurance to community foundation donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors.

“Our donors count on us to steward their gifts wisely, honor their charitable wishes, and, in some cases, provide lifetime income to a loved one,” said Dr. Mark S. Pritchett, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “It is that responsibility—to our donors and to our community—that drives Gulf Coast’s pursuit of these high standards. The National Standards seal tells our donors and their professional advisors that our house is in order and their trust in us is well-placed.”

Gulf Coast is one of 14 community foundations in Florida that are currently confirmed in compliance, according to the National Standards website. Gulf Coast's renewed accreditation lasts for one year.