The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to members of 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. The 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.

Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5%, meet or exceed the standards, and of those,
fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this seal.