Strengthen your organization’s transparency and governance
Building an organization committed to the highest ethical standards demands more than just following the law: it
also requires fostering practices that create an environment of transparency, accountability and integrity. The steps
listed here will help every charitable organization reassure its stakeholders of its commitment
to upholding the public trust vital to earning support and fulfilling its mission. Creating an
accountable organization is an ongoing process. Board and staff members should review
recommended practices regularly, and adjust their rules, methods and communications as
needed.
Fortunately, no one has to start this work from scratch. There are many resources
available as models, and we encourage you to share your policies and practices with colleagues. Independent Sector
recommends that each charitable organization take the following steps to demonstrate accountability. Adapt them to
fit your unique circumstances, and check back for updates as the checklist is expanded.
1 Develop a Culture of Accountability and
Transparency
Rules, standards, and practices are far more effective when
the people they affect understand them, know why they
are important, and embrace them. Teach new employees,
volunteers, and board members about your principles,
and give those with more experience refreshers and
updates. Use your website, intranet, and other internal
communications vehicles to share examples of good
behavior and policies.
More:
✔ Obedience to the Unenforceable: Ethics and the Nation's
Voluntary and Philanthropic Community by Independent
Sector, explains why nonprofit organizations need to
promote sound ethical behavior.
www.independentsector.org/PDFs/obedience.pdf
✔ Good Governance: The Devil is in the Details by William S.
White, chairman, president, and CEO of the Charles
Stewart Mott Foundation, uses the experiences of the
Mott Foundation to show the commitment it takes to
create an ethical, transparent organization.
www.indepe