Good Governance: GRANTMAKERS’ Guiding Principles
Why Good Governance?
GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington began developing collective principles and practices in 2005. They were developed by members for members – they are truly locally defined. The two-year process was created to encourage participatory dialogue and collaboration among our diverse membership. The focus on good governance does not stop here. Ongoing educational programming will increase members’ awareness of legalities and best practices giving the principles and practices increasing meaning.
GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Guiding Principles:
GRANTMAKERS’ Guiding Principles
To request a hard copy or to find out more about GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington’s Prinicples and Practices please email or call 503.226.6340
For more accountability resources click Link to Accountability Resources
GuidingPrinciples
as of 2007
We, as members of GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington, are committed to excellence and effectiveness in our giving. We commit to open dialogue, self-reflection and to the exploration of new knowledge and information so as to ensure that our work is aligned with our values and has the greatest benefit to society.
We, as members of GRANTMAKERS of Oregon and Southwest Washington, recognize that we play an important role in our communities, a role sustained by the public trust that carries with it certain obligations. We are committed to fulfilling our work based on principles and practices that reflect those obligations and strive to conduct our affairs in the following manner:
1. We are aware of and fulfill our fiduciary and legal responsibilities.
2. We serve the public good by adhering to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
3. We honor the intent of our donors, founders, and/or founding mandates.
4. We are thoughtful and purposeful in our grantmaking and periodically review and evaluate our mission, priorities, policies and practices.
5. We recognize the increasing cultural diversity of the communities and constituents that we serve and within the limits of our individual charters seek to reflect this diversity in our giving.
6. We deal respectfully with applicants, grantees and donors, as well as those simply seeking information about our programs.
7. We publish or otherwise make readily available basic information about our programs, funding priorities, and application requirements.
8. We define the expected steps in our grantmaking process and communicate these to applicants and grantees.
9. We are accessible and respond clearly, promptly, and as fairly as possible to all requests for information and meetings.
10. We respect the confidentiality of applicants, grantees and donors and use discretion in communicating with others about specific organizations or individuals.