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FINANCES

Trust and Transparency

The relationship between trust and transparency is complex and they are often reduced to the idea that transparency automatically creates trust. We have a slightly different perspective on this subject.

We believe in the principle of transparency and understand the need for generating structured information that can be verified and tracked through time. Financial and process transparency are prioritized in our strategic planning, which results in increased sharing of vital financial information with our partners and donors. However, our long-term, multi-directional relationships are based on the more fragile, human aspect of trust.

Genuine transparency requires humility and honesty because we have to realize our mistakes to learn from them.

We know that without trust, no degree of documented or regulated transparency will be enough. We also know that when our relationships are based on trust, the inevitable human errors become lessons for the future instead of causing a ‘crisis of betrayal’. When errors are identified, the cause is explored with our team, partners, board, advisors, volunteers, and donors, and the lessons are applied as we move forward.

Personal commitment to the whole is stronger and problems are solved more efficiently when we appreciate our different perspectives and take the time to listen to and interact with each other.

In addition to strong relationships of honesty and trust, we are firmly committed to financial transparency and accountability with our partners, donors, and funders.

One of the ways we demonstrate both process and financial transparency to our financial supporters is by maintaining a platinum seal of transparency on Guidestar.