Donors and philanthropists require fiscal integrity, transparency in this current climate of Wall Street  manipulations and financial scandals.

In 2009 and beyond, charities must demonstrate responsible, ethical  stewardship to be considered a viable investment.

WHY?????

A 2001 Survey found that 89% of American households gave to charity, and 44% of adults volunteered the equivalent of 9 million full time jobs. (The Economist, 1-15-2009)

The $305 billion that Americans gave to charity in 2007 was more than triple the amount donated in 1965 (42 year span)

January 20, 2009: President Barack Obama's inaugural address "greed irresponsibility and lack of oversight characterizes Wall Street and a weak economy." (Mother Jones, 1/21/09)

June 29, 2009: AP New York reports Bernard Madoff is sentenced to 150 years in prison for defrauding individuals, foundations, charities out of approximately $65 billion dollars.  Madoff Ponzi scheme highlights/makes clear that executive board membership, education, social status, etc. are not shields or excuses for not learning or properly exercising their fiduciary responsibilities. (NCRP, June 2009 Edition, "Lessons from Madoff")

All rights reserved 2009.

The Civic Formation, Inc does not offer legal advice.

The Civic Formation, Inc., P.O. Box 1021, Plainfield, NJ, 07061