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: A nonprofit will not be awarded the Transparency Seal if all of the following conditions apply, as they reflect limited accountability for the senior leader: (1) the CEO is never evaluated, (2) the CEO serves as the board chair, (3) the CEO has a board vote, (4) the CEO has family members serving on the board, and (5) the board lacks consecutive term limits. The Seal will also be withheld if the CEO’s compensation is not disclosed. The Seal may also be withheld if certain required fields are left blank because the nonprofit chooses not to share those details with Excellence in Giving’s clients.