National Standards by the Numbers, Part I

It is always intriguing to see data. Percentages, ratios, and numbers are finite and objective whereas most of the everyday world is just the opposite—qualitative and subjective. As of today, there are 500 community foundations in compliance with National Standards. The number of foundations in the process (who have submitted a statement of agreement or are under review) is 173 for reconfirmation and 13 for confirmation. From August 2009–January 2012, there have been a total of 117 community foundations found in compliance with National Standards, and of those, 109 were in reconfirmation and 13 were received their first-time confirmation.

Since we opened the reconfirmation process in 2009, there has been an open survey on both the reconfirmation and confirmation processes for foundations that have achieved compliance with the National Standards. 81 percent of the foundations going through reconfirmation completed the survey, and some of the results are posted below:

65 percent of the people managed the National Standards process for the first time.

27 states are represented, with the largest representation from Michigan (13), California (11), Wisconsin (8), and Iowa (6).

Other statistics, such as the age of the foundation and asset size, are more easily seen in graph form:

The survey also included questions about the use of the National Standards seal, tools, and ways in which the process could be improved. Results of the rest of the survey will be posted in National Standards by the Numbers, Part II next week.