Transparency Certification

Excellence in Giving recognizes Transparency when charities share more data about governance, finances, strategy, and impact than the IRS requires. Each recognized charity has submitted 175 data points about operations and performance for donors to review before making an informed giving decision.

Transparency seal recipients voluntarily disclose debt levels, Board practices, 3-year program and financial trends, impact stats, strategic plans, and even an internal S.W.O.T. analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). The resulting 2-page Nonprofit Analytics reveal the challenges and successes an organization has experienced executing its strategy, funding its operations, and achieving its mission. In a world where too many dishonest nonprofits have hidden problems until their scandals make headlines, the Transparency certification distinguishes a new breed of nonprofits committed to a higher standard of open and accountable relationships with donors.

Although transparently sharing performance data does not mean the organization is a good steward of funds or successfully accomplishing its mission (that determination requires an Expert Evaluation), Excellence in Giving commends every organization investing the time of CEOs, CFOs, program directors, and development officers to work together to provide accurate and complete data to analyze. To see how World Relief proudly displays its Transparency seal alongside the Guidestar & BBB seals, click here.

EXCEPTION: The only way an organization will NOT receive the Transparency seal after submitting this comprehensive organizational data set is if the senior leader has no accountability: CEO is never evaluated, is the Board Chair, has Board vote, has family members on the Board, and Board members have no consecutive term limits. These 5 combined warning signs undermine confidence in the accuracy of shared data.