Contact IS Media Relations Matthew Briggs Associate, Media and Communications 202-467-6134 matthewb@independentsector.org Bill Wright Director, Communications and Marketing 202-467-6131 bill@independentsector.org Need Independent Sector Media Relations after hours? Call 202-641-1202 or 202-744-4781.

(Washington, D.C. - August 17, 2005) – As part of its continuing commitment to improving the practice and self-regulation of charitable organizations, Independent Sector has released a list of steps organizations can take to help improve and demonstrate their accountability. The steps in the Checklist for Accountability, which also includes a list of resources available as models, are intended to help each charitable organization reassure its stakeholders of its commitment to upholding the public trust vital to earning support and fulfilling its mission.

The checklist calls on charitable organizations to:

1. Develop a culture of accountability and transparency.

2. Adopt a statement of values and code of ethics.

3. Adopt a conflict of interest policy.

4. Ensure that the board of directors understands and can fulfill its financial responsibilities.

5. Conduct independent financial reviews, particularly audits.

6. Ensure the accuracy of and make public their Forms 990.

7. Be transparent.

8. Establish and support a whistleblower protection policy.

9. Remain current with the law.

Organizations are encouraged to review the recommendations and adapt them for their needs. These recommendations build on the work of the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector, convened last fall by Independent Sector, and capture practical actions organizations can take immediately.

“This checklist is a direct response to feedback we heard from members of the nonprofit community at the 15 field hearings held across the country by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector,” said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “Nonprofit boards and staff want to be sure their organizations meet the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and governance. This is an impartial tool to help organizations meet that goal.”

The Checklist for Accountability combines recommendations made by Independent Sector and the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector’s Final Report. It was developed with additional input from Independent Sector’s Ethics and Accountability Committee, chaired by M. Cass Wheeler, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. The checklist was reviewed by Independent Sector’s Communications and Marketing Advisory Task Force, chaired by Lewis Feldstein, president of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Both committees are comprised of nonprofit staff and experts from across the country.

Click here to view the full checklist. The checklist will be expanded in the future. Individuals are encouraged to check back for updates.

####

Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 600 charities, foundations, and corporate philanthropy programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit community.