The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has earned three of the most respected recognitions in the nonprofit sector, affirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and lasting impact. These honors matter to everyone TFEC serves: donors who want their gifts to be used wisely, nonprofits that rely on TFEC’s support and guidance and students who depend on scholarships to access education.
TFEC has received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and full accreditation through the Community Foundations National Standards® program.
These awards confirm what many in South Central Pennsylvania already know: TFEC is a proven, trustworthy partner that puts the community first.
“These honors are a reflection of the trust TFEC has earned through more than 100 years of connecting philanthropists of all types with the needs of our local communities,” said Jennifer Doyle, president and CEO of TFEC. “We are proud to serve as a bridge between donor intent and meaningful impact across South Central Pennsylvania.”
Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest nonprofit evaluator, awarded TFEC its highest possible rating for demonstrating strong financial health, responsible governance and measurable results. The Four-Star Rating designates TFEC as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that donations are being used effectively and transparently.
“We are delighted to provide The Foundation for Enhancing Communities with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that TFEC can accomplish in the years ahead.”
“Our Four-Star Charity Navigator rating is further validation that our supporters can trust our commitment to good governance, but also that we’re effectively implementing our donors’ wishes,” Doyle added. “We hope it will introduce our work to new supporters who can help us advance our mission to inspire giving and strengthen communities.”
TFEC also received the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, which is awarded to organizations that share clear, up-to-date information about their goals, strategies, leadership and impact. This helps donors, nonprofits, students and other partners make informed decisions about where to give and whom to trust.
TFEC additionally maintains accreditation with Community Foundations National Standards®, the nation’s highest benchmark for philanthropic excellence. The standards evaluate everything from governance and financial management to donor services and community investment.
“These recognitions reflect the strength of our internal systems and our commitment to doing the work the right way,” said Caitlin Cluck, TFEC’s director of community impact. “They show that we are stewarding resources responsibly and building relationships based on trust, clarity, and long-term partnership. That’s what makes real community change possible.”
These recognitions are more than symbols for the community—they are safeguards.
For donors, they affirm that TFEC manages gifts with integrity and stewards with the donors’ intentions held at the forefront.
For nonprofits, they demonstrate that TFEC follows fair, strategic grantmaking practices and remains a committed partner in addressing local needs.
For students and scholarship recipients, they ensure that educational support is handled equitably and with long-term sustainability in mind.
Transparency builds trust. These national awards reflect TFEC’s long-standing commitment to serving the region with clarity, purpose and accountability.
Anyone interested in learning more about how TFEC supports donors, nonprofits and students is encouraged to visit www.tfec.org/connect-with-us.
