The Scott County Community Foundation has completed the Standards Reconfirmation process in meeting Ethical and Operational Standards for Indiana Community Foundations, announced Executive Director Jaime Toppe. Because of Indiana?s reciprocal agreement with the Community Foundations National Standards Board, this makes the Foundation automatically in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations as well.

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations program requires community foundations to document their policies for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration.? The program is designed to provide quality assurance to donors, as well as to their legal and financial advisors. The Scott County Community Foundation originally earned the designation five years ago. Community foundations must be reconfirmed in compliance with the National Standards five years after their original confirmation.?

Developed in the spirit of accountability, transparency and continuous self-improvement, National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations are evidence that community foundations seek excellence for their communities and their donors.

?The Scott County Community Foundation is celebrating its 15-year anniversary in 2012. It is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors: Lynda Phillips, chair; Randy Hancock, vice chair; Dan Slattery, treasurer; Syd Whitlock, secretary; Barbara Broady, Pat Bridge, Lisa Conder, Adam Gibson, Marsha Howser, Hank Jentzen, Connie Kenninger, L.L. Lowry, Jason Mount, and Matt Oberlies.

Since awarding its first community grants totaling $50,000 in 1997, the Community Foundation has been Scott County?s partner for positive change. Scholarships and grants totaling more than $2.7 million have made it possible for local students to go to college and the diverse needs of our neighbors to be served. In addition, more than $8.4 million has been funneled to Scott County through the Foundation due to the generosity of Lilly Endowment. Projects that have been made possible due to this funding include the CAPE educational initiative, Lifelong Learning Center, Scott County Family YMCA, Scott County Clearinghouse, recreational areas in Austin, Lexington and Scottsburg, Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program and more.

For more information on how the Scott County Community Foundation can assist you with your charitable giving, please call 752-2057, email info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org or stop in the office at 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg.