[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 139 (Friday, October 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON

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                       HON. JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, throughout our nation's history, 
individual Americans have voluntarily joined together to meet important 
needs in their communities. This generosity and willingness to work 
together toward a common goal is a trademark of the American character.
  Today, private voluntary associations across the country make 
substantial contributions to our nation's well-being in areas such as 
health care and social services, education and the arts, economic 
development, and environmental protection. Many of these associations 
are community foundations--charitable organizations formed to attract 
and distribute endowment funds.
  The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a successful 
private sector economic and social support system that helps meet 
specific needs in our region. They have far-reaching benefits for 
anyone interested in philanthropy and are an example of the spirit of 
generosity and service that helped build America and continues to make 
it great.
  Directed by volunteers, the Community Foundation for Southwest 
Washington has community partnerships that run deep. The longstanding 
relationships they have built in the community help them meet current 
needs, while enabling the Foundation to address future challenges and 
opportunities. They provide effective leadership in our community, 
often complementing or assisting in the coordination of public programs 
and other private services. They facilitate one of the fastest-growing 
forms of philanthropy in the United States.
  Today I rise to congratulate the Community Foundation for Southwest 
Washington on obtaining their National Standards for U.S. Community 
Foundations accreditation from the Community Foundations National 
Standards Board. Achieving confirmation and reconfirming compliance 
with National Standards is a rigorous process, demonstrating that the 
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington has adhered to excellent 
philanthropic practice. This program requires community foundations to 
document their policies for governance, donor services, investments, 
grant making, community leadership, and administration.
  The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington of Vancouver, 
Washington has obtained its National Standards accreditation through a 
commitment to operational quality, integrity, accountability, 
transparency and adherence to the highest standards for grant making.
  On behalf of the residents of our region, I congratulate the 
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington on receiving its National 
Standards accreditation and commend the foundation's dedicated service 
to Vancouver and communities in Southwest Washington.

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