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.