Foundation Earns National Reaccreditation for Meeting Highest Standards of Excellence

The Watertown Area Community Foundation has once again achieved accreditation from the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the nation’s highest benchmark for philanthropic excellence.

Administered by the Community Foundations National Standards Board with support from the Council on Foundations, the accreditation is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that requires community foundations to meet 26 standards of quality, accountability, and integrity. Accreditation signals to donors, policymakers, and the public that the Watertown Area Community Foundation meets the nation’s highest standards for operational excellence and public trust. 

“This represents the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s commitment to rigorous best practices that exceed federal and state law requirements,” said Cammie Mengwasser, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It tells our donors and community partners they can trust the Foundation to administer their gifts wisely and use them to make a lasting difference right here in Watertown.”

The Foundation has been accredited since 2004, continuing its legacy as South Dakota’s first community foundation.

“The process is demanding,” added Mengwasser. “We welcome the challenge, though. It ensures we’re operating with the highest level of accountability and ultimately allows us to serve our community better.”

By maintaining its accreditation, the Watertown Area Community Foundation joins a distinguished group of community foundations nationwide recognized for best practices in governance, financial stewardship, and philanthropic impact.