Posted on 16th April 2008
Taking an innovative approach to presenting an annual report, the donor advice website Intelligent Giving has announced its 2007 report has been marked against the criteria it uses to assess charities, and states it has scored 100 per cent.
Intelligent Giving says its annual report is an example of transparent and accessible communication, and hopes that it serves as a model for charities to follow.
In keeping with the transparent approach, the report is candid about the organisation's failures and mentions goals not met, policies not adequately set out, and all the grants and contracts applied for, including those that were unsuccessful.
The report is compiled from the organisation's "simple scoring system" that uses specific criteria to reach their "quality of reporting" score. This is based on Charity Commission guidance and includes 43 pointers to score against. Number one is clear explanation of benefit of activities to users.
The report highlights successes – “More charities than expected have come to us for advice on transparency, which we have offered freely” – and unfulfilled aims - “We haven't managed to earn substantial income from advertising and consultancy services”.
Intelligent Giving welcomes feedback and suggestions on the report and its approach. Visit the Intelligent Giving website to download the report and provide feedback.
