Earlier this year, the Otsego Community Foundation earned the prestigious Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. Candid advances nonprofit financial transparency by sharing essential information that aids donors and foundations in making informed giving decisions. This platform is used by millions of people each year.  

The Platinum Seal of Transparency is Candid’s highest level of recognition. To achieve this status, the Otsego Community Foundation expanded its profile beyond basic organizational information, increasing its transparency to donors and grantees. This achievement reflects the Foundation’s commitment to exemplary donor service and leadership by example as local nonprofit organizations work to improve their equity practices. 

“Receiving the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency is a significant milestone for our organization. It reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in all our operations. We believe that our donors and partners deserve the highest level of trust, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to upholding these values.” 

Amanda Sosa, Director of Donor Services 

Candid’s criteria for awarding these levels of achievement are comprehensive. They assess qualitative information such as goals, strategies, and capabilities as well as quantitative information regarding results and progress toward the organization’s mission.  This comprehensive approach moves beyond simplistic financial ratios to assess nonprofit progress. 

As a testament to our dedication to providing our partners with the highest level of transparency, the OCF did not have to do anything differently to achieve this award. We were already implementing the best practices, which made the application process easy and straightforward. It is an amazing validation of our practices to know that they are commensurate with the highest industry standards. We will keep doing what we do!    The Otsego Community Foundation’s profile on Candid can be viewed here.