"The Battle for Transparency in the Nonprofit Sector"

The Battle for Transparency in the Nonprofit Sector

Presentation atBeing Good at Doing Good 2012 Conference

Ken Berger, President & CEOCharity NavigatorFebruary 13, 2012

Presented by Ken Berger, Pres. & CEO of Charity Navigator

Your Guide to Intelligent Giving

Where the Heart

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WHY IS THERE A BATTLE FOR TRANSPARENCY?

THE EXCUSES FOR LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

• A Fear of Fallout from Potential Criticism• It’s All About the Work• Lack of Resources• Bored Boards• Donor Indifference• The Growth Motive• Inadequate Monitoring (Internal & External)

(The Nonprofit Marketplace Hewlett Foundation, 2008)

THE BATTLE WON

THE INFORMATION INTERMEDIARY PROBLEM

2011: CN 2.0 - TRANSPARENCY IS RATED

NEXT UP: TRANSPARENCY IN REPORTING RESULTS

Does your organization provide the following

information on your web site?

1. Results logic and measures

2. Constituency voice (beneficiary and other stakeholder feedback via surveys)

3. Compliance with certification and standard bodies as well as Independent evaluations for all programs

A FEW OTHER SUGGESTIONS FROM 30 YEARS

3 CORE VALUES:

• TEAM MODEL

• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

PROCESS

• CLIENT CENTERED APPROACH

A FEW ORGANIZATIONAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. Does the nonprofit evidence honest and open communication with all audiences – clients, funders, staff and the general public?

2. Does it have a willingness to acknowledge not just the

accomplishments, but the failures and challenges?

3. Does the organization evidence transparency and accountability in its actions? For example, does it have a whistle blower policy? Does it review executive compensation in an objective manner and report this to stakeholders?

A SMALL GLIMPSE AT OUR FUTURE

OUR BEST HOPE !

Transparent Nonprofit Leaders

Your Questions & Our Web Addresses

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Email – kberger@charitynavigator.org