Our Commitment to Financial Transparency

Our Practices

The practices we uphold are in service of ethical decision making, responsible management of resources and clear measurement of results. Our approach is designed to support accountability while allowing processes to be adapted to the goals, requirements and timelines of each initiative.

How We Make Decisions

Our funding processes are designed to be structured, fair and aligned with program goals. We apply what we have learned as a philanthropic and government agency partner to oversee processes that recognize the experience and leadership of community-based organizations.

• Open, competitive funding opportunities are generally posted publicly posted through requests for applications (RFA) – certain initiatives may use invitation-only, rapid-response, renewal, targeted or other funding approaches consistent with program objectives and funder requirements
• Eligibility requirements and selection criteria are communicated through the application or award process when applicable
• Applications and funding recommendations are reviewed through processes designed for the specific program and may include internal staff, external subject matter experts, advisory reviewers, funders or other qualified reviewers
• Final decisions align with approved program goals, funder requirements, available resources and applicable compliance standards
• Funded activities are expected to follow approved plans, applicable program guidelines and contractual requirements
• The Center maintains conflict-of-interest policies applicable to board members, staff and others involved in funding decisions – individuals are expected to disclose actual or potential conflicts and recuse themselves when appropriate

How We Steward Resources

We seek to manage resources efficiently and responsibly while maintaining the infrastructure, compliance capacity and oversight necessary to steward public and philanthropic funds.

• Funds are managed through established financial controls, funder-aligned processes and ongoing cost oversight
• Contracts, subcontracts and agreements are reviewed and approved in accordance with applicable funder requirements and internal policies 
• Expenses are expected to be allowable, reasonable, allocable and tied to approved program goals
• Technical assistance is provided, as appropriate, to support partner understanding of allowable expenses and program requirements
• Financial reports are reviewed and approved on a regular basis in accordance with funder requirements and internal procedures
• Independent third-party audits are conducted annually, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles 
• The Center’s Board of Directors provides governance oversight through review of financial reporting, audits, policies and organizational performance

How We Ensure Compliance and Oversight

We apply compliance and review processes throughout the funding cycle, from partner eligibility verification through financial and programmatic monitoring. Webinars, one-on-one office hours and technical assistance support compliance and help build grantee partners’ capacity.

Before funding, according to program and funding-source requirements, The Center may verify that partners:

• Meet applicable federal and state eligibility requirements
• Maintain eligible tax-exempt status, tribal or other qualifying status
• Are registered and in good standing with applicable federal and state agencies, when required
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage in compliance with programmatic or contractual requirements

During funding, partners are expected to:

• Align funded activities with approved strategies, budgets and workplans
• Follow applicable program guidelines and agreement terms
• Comply with applicable restrictions on political campaign activity, lobbying and use of grant funds
• Meet reporting, documentation and audit requirements

We monitor performance through tools and processes that may include:

• Regular financial and programmatic reporting
• Expense tracking, invoice review and supporting documentation requests
• For applicable state-funded programs, prior approval for certain subcontracts, budget actions or other activities, when required by the funder
• Virtual or in-person site visits, desk reviews or other monitoring and alignment activities
• Additional technical assistance or corrective action support may be provided when monitoring identifies findings or areas for improvement
• Ongoing compliance checks and independent audits, as applicable
• We request additional documentation when needed to ensure accuracy and accountability

How We Promote Transparency and Measure Impact

We are committed to clear access to information and measurable results, while respecting privacy, confidentiality, legal and contractual obligations.

• Open funding opportunities, eligibility requirements and selection criteria are made publicly available when applicable
• Program requirements are clearly communicated throughout the course of the grant, and reinforced through agreements, orientation sessions and ongoing partner communications
• Reports, evaluations and updates are shared publicly when available and appropriate
• Outcomes are tracked to assess effectiveness, support compliance and inform continuous improvement
• Learning and evaluation are embedded across our work and led by a dedicated team to measure impact, strengthen accountability and improve program design