Central Ohio Today

For the second consecutive year, the Clark State Foundation has received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency (formerly GuideStar). Less than 1 percent of nonprofit organizations hold this seal, and it represents Clark State’s commitment to sharing financial and organizational information with the public. 

“Our Board has always followed nonprofit best practices. In the last year, we have implemented a new strategic plan and updated our policies and procedures,” said Toni Overholser, vice president of advancement at Clark State. “This seal represents the outstanding work of our board members to provide the most current information to our donors and the general public. With the trust and support of our donors, we will be able to achieve our mission and remove financial barriers and increase college success for our students.”

Overholser said at the time of Clark State’s analysis, 78,262 organizations had a Seal and represented about 5 percent of the more than 1.7 million nonprofits registered with the IRS. Nearly half of Seal holders had earned a Bronze Seal.

“The proportion holding Silver, Gold, and Platinum Seals varied, sometimes daily, as nonprofits added information to earn the next Seal level,” she said. “Our snapshot found 19 percent of Seal holders were at the silver level, 20 percent at Gold, and 15 percent at Platinum. Therefore, of the 1,700,000 nonprofits registered with the IRS, only 11,739 have earned the Platinum Seal meaning less than 1 percent of registered nonprofits have earned a Platinum Seal.”

The Clark State College Foundation removes financial barriers to increase educational opportunities, empower individuals, and continue to build a strong diverse workforce and community.

The Foundation scholarships are awarded for financial need, academic performance or a specific program of study to both full-time and part-time students. Scholarships generally open each January for the upcoming year. There are currently more than 50 different scholarships offered through the Clark State Foundation. Scholarships may be awarded for fall and/or spring semesters.

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