The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of:

• Public accountability;
• Program effectiveness; and
• Cost effectiveness.

These standards include those required by the U.S. Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. It is estimated that fewer than 50,000 (5%) of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today meet or exceed these standards, and of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.