Lesson 5: Shared Resource

Title: CUNY Tries to Balance Fundraising and Transparency

Link:   https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/06/12/cuny-tries-balance-fundraising-transparency/

I chose this article published recently by the Nonprofit Quarterly (NPQ) as a valuable resource because it reflects upon the policies and practices that the CUNY system has in place. We are part of the community that has practices that are held “to reflect and ensure the highest levels of integrity, accountability, and transparency.” The CUNY system has operated under endowment funds, which in the last year has contributed to $250 million in operations – wow! As we are discussing accountability, CUNY will be subject to audits and each endowment fund will need a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that outlines the purpose of the fund and the goals / plans of operation for the fund. It is warranted that the funds are being used as the donors have intended them to. This has to do with non-profits accountability to the donors, where they need to assure their stakeholders that every dollar invested in their organization is properly allocated and used. Without accountability standards in place, a non-profit organization risks losing the trust of donors and volunteers.