Letter: Resource available on local nonprofits

Launched in July of this year, The Giving Marketplace is an online database of individual profiles of almost 70 Lowcountry nonprofits -- and more nonprofits are being added every week. Managed and funded by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, this free, locally-branded Guidestar product is a one-stop shop of in-depth information to help donors make better-informed giving decisions.

Each nonprofit has an individual profile. Included in each profile is the history of the organization, its mission and areas served; governance, including board membership and demographics; staffing and nonprofit best practices, including whether the nonprofit has developed a strategic plan, a fundraising plan, a diversity policy and a succession plan; specific program information with descriptions and programmatic results; and financial information, including IRS Form 990s for multiple years, and audits (if applicable). In fact, The Giving Marketplace is the most comprehensive single source of information about local nonprofits and serves as an essential tool for donors who are seeking facts, results and transparency.

There are many worthy local charities that follow best practices, demonstrate transparency and work to make our community better. The Giving Marketplace serves as a resource to help the community learn more about these terrific organizations.

Denise K. Spencer

President and CEO

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

This story was originally published December 16, 2015 at 10:21 PM with the headline "Letter: Resource available on local nonprofits."