FREDERICK, MD – Sept. 19, 2025: The Community Foundation of Frederick County is proud to announce that it has once again received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence for another three years.
“We see this as critical to the work we do and the way in which we do it,” said Elizabeth Y. Day, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “When people make a charitable bequest or establish a fund, they are putting their trust in us. They are counting on us to manage their gift wisely and honor their charitable wishes. The National Standards accreditation assures our communities we adhere to the best practices in our field.”
Community Foundations National Standards Board establishes legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere. This accreditation is a significant accomplishment that indicates the Community Foundation’s commitment to transparency, quality, integrity and accountability as it carries out its mission.
The National Standards accreditation program is made by and for community foundations and requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking and administration.
Accredited community foundations must meet the program’s 26 national standards, including how the foundation honors the charitable intentions of its donors and identifies and addresses community opportunities and needs. There are over 900 community foundations nationwide, and of those, more than 550 have received accreditation.
The Community Foundation of Frederick County has been continually in compliance with these national standards since its first accreditation in 2006, and will now remain accredited until its renewal in 2028. While there are federal and state laws that all community foundations must adhere to, this voluntary accreditation process demonstrates the Community Foundation’s willingness and commitment to go above and beyond those requirements and illustrates its dedication to excellence.
The Community Foundation was founded by a group of community leaders in 1986 and their work has continued through gift planning, stewardship of assets, grantmaking and community leadership, now 40 years later. The Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs or recommend individual grants. In addition to affirming the organization’s philanthropic services, the accreditation validates the Community Foundation’s grantmaking practices for the nonprofit community.
For more information on Community Foundation National Standards, visit www.cfstandards.org. To learn more about The Community Foundation of Frederick County, visit FrederickCountyGives.org or call 301-695-7660.