Fremont Area Community Foundation was recently awarded reaccreditation by the Community Foundations National Standards program.
The accreditation process is rigorous and comprehensive, requiring proof that a foundation meets 26 distinct standards of excellence. Compliance demonstrates the Community Foundation’s commitment to sector-driven best practices that exceed federal and state law requirements. Organizations must renew their accreditation every three years.
“We are proud to be recognized once again for our commitment to excellence,” said Shelly Kasprzycki, Community Foundation president and CEO. “The community’s trust is our top priority, and our National Standards accreditation demonstrates publicly that we meet and exceed a high standard of accountability and integrity.”
National standards cover mission, structure, and governance along with stewardship and accountability practices, grantmaking responsiveness and due diligence, confidentiality and privacy policies, and more. Community Foundation staff members and trustees spent several months collecting, reviewing, and submitting the materials required for consideration.
The Community Foundations National Standards program was established in 2000 by sector leaders and the Council on Foundations. While community foundations face regulation at the state and federal levels, the accreditation program provides an additional layer of rigorous and enforced accountability. More than 550 U.S. community foundations participate in the National Standards program. More information can be found at cfstandards.org.
Fremont Area Community Foundation was founded in 1951 by a group of dedicated community leaders and has grown to be one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. on a per capita basis. In 2023, the Community Foundation awarded $8.6 million in grants and more than $700,000 in scholarships. In 2024, it was the fifth-largest community foundation in Michigan by asset size.
The organization’s mission is to enhance quality of life for all people in Newaygo County and surrounding communities. In addition to serving Newaygo County, the Community Foundation supports the operation and manages assets of affiliate foundations in Lake, Mecosta, and Osceola counties.
