The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation Announces National Accreditation

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - This is a press release from the PineBelt Community Foundation.

The Greater PineBelt Community Foundation (PBCF) recently received accreditation with the nation’s highest standard for philanthropic excellence.

PBCF's Executive Director, Theresa Erickson said, "It was 52 standards it was so many different things that we had to do." She added, "The accredidation was just huge, I was so excited, and I still am."

National Standards for U.S. Community Foundation® establish legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere. All Community Foundations face regulation at the state and the federal level.

PBCF's Board Member David Fortenberry said it gives them the added credibility. "When we are talking with potential fund-reps and professional advisors, it just reassures the public that an official accredidation process has been gone through."

The National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® accreditation program provides an additional layer of rigorous, sector-driven and enforced accountability.

Created over a decade ago, the National Standards seal demonstrates commitment to operational excellence.

"I literally started screaming in the office, we have worked on this really hard, it has been tough" said Erickson.