The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to
the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities
of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify,
document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest
standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost
effectiveness.
These standards include
those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal
Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world.
Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the
United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet
or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded
this Seal.