SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been re-accredited under the Community Foundations National Standards, a designation recognizing the highest levels of transparency, governance, and stewardship among community foundations.
The re-accreditation confirms that the organization meets rigorous national benchmarks for ethical practices, donor accountability, and operational integrity.
The standards, overseen by the Council on Foundations, evaluate how community foundations manage donor funds, conduct financial oversight, and maintain responsible policies.
More than 500 community foundations nationwide have earned the designation.
Laura Ducceschi, president and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, says the recognition reinforces the foundation’s long-standing reputation for responsible stewardship and its emphasis on transparency.
“I personally feel really good that we were able to achieve this, because that tells me that as a foundation, we’re doing things right by our donors and by the community, and that we can feel confident and donors can feel confident when they leave their money to the foundation to make a difference in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Ducceschi.
The Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania since 1954.
It currently manages more than 450 charitable funds, oversees more than $100 million in assets, and last year awarded more than $14 million in grants to organizations across the region.
Those funds support causes including food insecurity, homelessness, animal welfare, environmental initiatives, and other community needs.
The accreditation process requires a comprehensive review of donor services, financial practices, grantmaking procedures, governance, and administrative operations.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s mission is to responsibly steward charitable resources to advance transformative philanthropy and build a strong and vibrant community.
The re-accreditation affirms that mission by demonstrating the organization’s commitment to transparency, sound financial management, and long-term community impact.