Standards of Accountability

The charity is committed to the Christian faith.

The charity’s board members, officers, and key staff affirm a written statement of faith that is consistent with the commonly held and historic central tenets of the Christian faith. In addition, the charity publicly declares a Christian mission that guides its values and activities.

The charity is governed by an independent, active board that establishes policy and reviews the impact of the organization’s activities.

CCCC requires Accredited charities to have an active board of at least five members who hold meetings at least twice a year. A majority of the governing board members must reside in Canada and not be connected by blood relationship, marriage, common-law partnership, or adoption.

Board members serve voluntarily, without financial compensation or any other kind of direct or indirect benefits for their services. The board’s many responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that the organization complies with the organization’s governing documents
• Creating policy for the organization
• Ensuring that all necessary regulatory filings are prepared factually, accurately, and remitted on a timely basis
• Regularly reviewing the performance of staff who report to the board based on a reasonable criteria
• Monitoring the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of the organization’s activities by regularly reviewing program evaluations

The charity demonstrates transparency and proper financial oversight through an independent financial audit, an audit review committee, and public disclosure of its financial statements.

A financial statement prepared by an external, licenced accounting professional is a mark of sound financial practice. Having audited statements helps charities build credibility with the general public, donors, and government authorities.

An audit committee monitors internal financial controls on behalf of the board and provides oversight and direction relating to the organization’s auditing process. This means that the board has direct conversation with the external auditor, and that the board will be alerted to any internal control issues. Having an audit committee ensures that the charity’s financial policies, functions, and responsibilities are fully met.

Accredited charities agree to provide a copy of their most recent audited financial statements to anyone upon request.

The charity upholds the highest standards of integrity, adheres to applicable laws, and operates in accordance with its own governing documents.

Pursuing integrity isn’t just a matter of staying out of trouble with the law. Accredited Christian charities recognize that they are held to a higher standard—they are responsible to Jesus Christ. This influences their attitude toward financial stewardship and the relationships that are cultivated within the ministry. Accredited charities agree to be open and accurate in all of its dealings and respect the dignity and privacy of the people it services.

The charity is ethical in its fundraising activities and respects the dignity and interests of the donor.

The charity commits to fundraising ethically. Among many other points, these practices include:

• Fundraisers are not paid by commission.
• All fundraising solicitations truthfully describe the organization’s activities for which the donations will be used
• All donations restricted to a particular approved activity are used for the purpose for which they were given, subject to certain specific situations as identified in the charity’s donor restricted gift policy
• The privacy of donors is maintained
• Donors and prospective donors are treated with respect