The National Standards Seal by our name indicates official confirmation from the Community Foundations National Standards Board that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to financial security, transparency and accountability. It says our grantmaking includes an open, competitive process designed to address the changing needs of our community. The National Standards Seal also confirms our history of honoring donors’ wishes—to support the arts, cultivate gardens, save endangered species, cure illness, expand literacy, feed children—and support countless other important causes. 

The National Standards for U.S. Community FoundationsÔ were created in 2000 in cooperation with the Council on Foundations. National Standards guide community foundations in establishing legal, ethical and effective operational practices that serve as blueprints for internal development and benchmarks for external assessment. The 41 National Standards require Northwest Minnesota Foundation to document its policies in donor services, investment management, grantmaking and administration. To receive confirmation of National Standards compliance, Northwest Minnesota Foundation submitted its organizational and financial policies and procedures to the Community Foundations National Standards Board for a rigorous peer review.