| Founded in 1979, ECFA provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, fund-raising and board governance. Members include Christian ministries, denominations, churches, educational institutions, and other tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations.
In the 1970s, there was growing public and political concern over an increase of questionable fund-raising practices in the nonprofit sector. In addition, donors and governmental agencies expressed concern over the management of their donations to achieve publicly stated objectives as presented in fund-raising appeals. Donors had no source for an objective assessment of the financial integrity of Christian organizations desiring their support.
In the late 1970s, Senator Mark Hatfield addressed a group of key Christian leaders and challenged them to police their own mission agencies as a "Christian Better Business Bureau" or face the potential of government intervention. Consequently, ECFA was formed, standards were established, and a chartering process was initiated for applicant ministries.
ECFA is committed to helping Christ-centered organizations earn the public’s trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability that convey God-honoring ethical practices.
ECFA assists its member organizations in making appropriate public disclosure of their financial practices and activities, thus significantly enhancing their credibility and support among present and prospective donors.
ECFA conducts an on-site field review program to further enhance its accreditation certification of member organizations. Member organizations are randomly selected for on-site visits by an ECFA representative to verify the information submitted on the annual membership review form and to confirm compliance with the ECFA membership standards. Nearly 1,500 field reviews have been conducted since the inception of the program.
Through its regional seminars, website, publications and services, ECFA informs its members of board governance, accounting, financial, fund-raising, and legislative matters of common concern.
Over its history, the reaction of the public to the existence of ECFA has been gratifying. The fact that ECFA requires full financial disclosure satisfies many donors because they know that financial information is available when and if they want it. The ECFA seal is tangible evidence to donors that ECFA member organizations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity and Christian ethics.
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ECFA Board of Directors: ECFA has a governing board, elected by the membership, of evangelical leaders in the business and nonprofit sectors from all across the nation. No ECFA staff members or related individuals serve on the board.
ECFA Standards Committee: Highly qualified individuals representing academia, management, legal, and accounting expertise serve on the Standards Committee. The Standards Committee interprets and oversees the enforcement of the Seven Standards of Responsible StewardshipTM and compliance among member organizations. The Standards Committee reports to the Board.
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