Dress for Success strongly believes we have an obligation to our stakeholders to operate with accountability and transparency,
surpassing the basic standards set for non-profit
organizations. In 2007 we formalized this commitment by
creating our Standards of Accountability (SOA) policy. The
goal of the SOA is to demonstrate that all Dress for Success
affiliates around the world exceed widely accepted non-profit business practices.
Affiliates establish their compliance with the SOA annually, thus renewing this commitment to excellence. Those who meet all the criteria are
demonstrating their extraordinary dedication to their stakeholdersby taking these additional steps to ensure
transparency and accountability to all of their supporters.
The SOA focuses on three key areas: governance/operations, financial practices and fundraising. Each Dress for Success affiliate is committed to protecting donor information and keeping donors adequately informed, ensuring the organization has sufficient oversight, reinforcing our brand and making all financial information available and easily accessible to stakeholders.
Governance/Operations
Affiliates must demonstrate that they have sufficient board oversight
and that this governing body adheres to certain standards with regard
to size, frequency of meetings, potential conflicts of interest and so
on.
Finances
It is Dress for Success policy that at least 65% of all expenses
go directly to client services. Financial reports prepared by
affiliates must contain specific information with regard to
income, expenses and assets.
Fundraising
Donor privacy is of the utmost importance to Dress for Success, and as part of the SOA, all affiliates must have policies in place to protect donors. Affiliates also need to ensure that potential contributors are adequately informed about how Dress for Success will benefit from any promotions or sales held by a third party.
The specific requirements of the SOA can be found here.
Any affiliate displaying this seal
on
its Web site is in compliance with all aspects of the SOA for the
2012 calendar year.
Please feel free to e-mail us at
worldwide@dressforsuccess.org if you have questions or would like to learn more about the SOA.
2012 SOA Compliant Affiliates:
