WE ARE A MEETS STANDARDS® ORGANIZATION! 

November 19, 2018

We’re thrilled to announce that Catholic Charities is now a Charities Review Council Meets Standards® organization!

Nonprofit organizations, such as Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud earn the Meets Standards® seal by voluntarily participating in Charities Review Council’s Accountability Wizard® review process. The only web-based product of its kind, the Accountability Wizard® is a time-tested tool, elevated by nationally recognized capacity building practitioners and philanthropic thought leaders. The Accountability Wizard® is based on Charities Review Council’s 25 Accountability Standards®, a balance of nonprofit sector promising practices, public expectations, and legal requirements, representing the shared expectations between donors and nonprofits.

The review process examined four key areas: Public Disclosure, Governance, Financial Activity, and Fundraising. As a result, Catholic Charities has aligned its practices, policies and procedures to widely accepted standards of accountability, leading us to greater strength, efficacy and to the achievement of the Meets Standards® seal. By participating in the Accountability Wizard® review process, Catholic Charities demonstrates responsibility, integrity and transparency to donors as well as the general public.

To view our online report, go to smartgivers.org/organizations/. You’ll also find us in Charities Review Council’s bi-annual Smart Giver Newsletter.

If you’d like to sign up to receive this free publication, go to smartgivers.org/donors/smart-givers-newsletter/.

Thank you for supporting us as we continue to works toward achieving our mission while maintaining greater accountability and ethical practices.

Learn more about Charities Review Council’s online review process and the Accountability Standards® at smartgivers.org.

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Allie and Ben’s dream of owning their first home came under threat when Ben unexpectedly lost his job. With two young children at home, Allie balanced evening classes while Ben had a steady income. However, when Ben lost his job, he struggled to make mortgage payments and, feeling overwhelmed, kept the issue hidden from Allie until it was too late. The arrival of a “sheriff sale” notice signaled their impending foreclosure. Determined to protect their home and their family, Allie turned to Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling team for help. With guidance from a counselor, Allie learned about the foreclosure process and the potential solutions available to them. Together, they worked closely with the mortgage company, exploring options to address the overdue payments. After persistent efforts, Allie and Ben were able to negotiate a resolution that would prevent foreclosure. Thanks to the support they received, Allie and Ben were able to keep their home, which not only brought them financial stability but also strengthened their bond as a couple. Allie reflected on the importance of teamwork and open communication, acknowledging the valuable lesson they learned through the experience. “I’m so grateful for the support we received,” Allie said. “It taught us that facing challenges together is key to protecting what matters most—our home and our children.” Catholic Charities’ Financial and Housing Counseling program, which has been providing expert guidance since 1982, is available to anyone, regardless of income. As a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-licensed provider, our team is committed to helping families like Allie and Ben navigate financial challenges and build a secure future.
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