Effective Practice
The continuing public discourse and introspection about what it means to be accountable, transparent and effective stewards of a public trust, encourage all nonprofits and foundations to respond. Because of the opportunity provided by the current internet era, any nonprofit or foundation is able to provide a transparent organization not possible before.
As part of our effort to be accountable and to promote accountability, we are making available for interested nonprofit colleagues and the public, the most up-to-date documents through which the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy’s staff and board judge whether they have individually and as an organization performed their duties ethically, and in a manner adequate to the public trust invested in them.
In This Area
- Guiding Principles and Effective Practice for Connecticut Grantmakers
The Council’s Board of Directors offers this tool to its members and other Connecticut funders to articulate a shared commitment to excellence and to serve as a guide for Connecticut funders as we pursue our missions. - Community Foundations National Standards
National Standards guide the sound policies and practices that help community foundations achieve results and impact. Eleven of the Nineteen community foundations in Connecticut proudly display the official National Standards seal that signifies their compliance and distinguishes them as a smart investment for philanthropists. - Accountability Self-Assessment Tools
The Council, along with its national organization, The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, has developed these Accountability Tools as part of the Building Grantmaker Effectiveness and Accountability initiative. Please encourage your staff, trustees and advisors to take advantage of these valuable tools. - Council Policies
Policies used to promote accountability and transparency - Council Annual Reports
The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy's recent annual reports.
Materials
- Scrutiny of Nonprofit Governance in 2010
The IRS recently issued a new exempt organizations governance check sheet for agents to use in capturing data about common practices and internal controls of nonprofit organizations being examined. The data will be included in a long-term study to gain a better understanding of the intersection between governance practices and tax compliance. - IRS Clarifies Rules for Grants to Organizations that Lobby (PDF)
A letter clarifying how foundations can support grantees that engage in lobbying and election-related activities. - Self Dealing: A Concise Guide for Foundation Board and Staff Guide (PDF)
An overview on the self-dealing law, including definitions, common problem areas, exceptions, penalties, and resources. - 10 Common Errors to Avoid in Completing A Private Foundation's 990-PF (PDF)
For tax preparers of the 990-PF, this publication highlights those areas most commonly completed incorrectly and provides explanations and directions for proper completion. - What You Should Know Before Signing Your Oganization's Form 990-PF (PDF)
Resource for top officers who sign the Form 990-PF to understand the important safeguards they should undertake before signing the tax return.