Statement of Principles

Preamble and Purpose
This statement reflects the guiding principles and practices adopted by the member organizations of the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers (Washington Grantmakers). The mission of Washington Grantmakers is to improve and increase giving in the national capital region with a vision of becoming the most generous and engaged community of givers in United States and throughout the world. To this end, Washington Grantmakers and its membership are committed to the following standards of excellence in all areas of grantmaking practice, program activity, organizational management, ethics, communications and governance.

Principle #1: Effectiveness & Impact [more]
We periodically review and evaluate our missions, priorities, policies and/or practices in order to strengthen philanthropy and increase our effectiveness –so that through our work, we can improve the quality of life within our communities.

Principle #2: Diversity & Inclusiveness [more]
We recognize the diversity of the communities we serve and, within the parameters of our individual charters and programmatic guidelines, make efforts to reflect that diversity through our programs, operations and/or governance.

We promote inclusiveness and reflect diversity in our staffs, boards and/or volunteers, which bring the benefit of a wide range of perspectives, opinions and experiences to enrich the impact of our work.

Principle #3: Ethics & Stewardship [more]
We adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior in all foundation operations and/or grantmaking operations and seek to build and maintain public trust in the performance of our programs.

Principle #4: Relationships & Communications [more]
We make information about our missions, program activities, grantmaking and/or finances readily available to the public and communicate in a clear and timely manner.

We are accessible and responsive to applicants, grantees and the public.

We build and maintain constructive relationships based on mutual respect, candor, transparency, discretion and confidentiality.

Principle #5: Governance & Accountability [more]
We are aware of and fulfill all fiduciary responsibilities, including management of resources responsibly and prudently.

We ensure that all our organizational transactions and dealings are conducted with integrity and honesty; that our hiring and promotion policies and practices for all board, staff and volunteer positions are fair and inclusive and that our policies are clearly articulated, in writing and officially adopted.

We operate with an identifiable and active governing body.

Pledged:

• AARP Foundation
• American Legacy Foundation
• Bank of America
• Banyan Tree Foundation
• Carter and Melissa Cafritz Charitable Trust
• Case Foundation
• The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
• Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation
• Global Giving Foundation
• Hattie M. Strong Foundation
• Hill-Snowdon Foundation
• Horning Family Fund
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• Mead Family Foundation
• Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation
• Northern Virginia Health Foundation
• Polinger Family Foundation
• Public Welfare Foundation
• Strauch Foundation
• Sulzberger Foundation
• Summit Fund of Washington
• The Washington Post Company
• Weissberg Foundation