RICHMOND, Va. – The International Mission Board (IMB) has received accreditation from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). This recognition acknowledges IMB’s demonstrated compliance with established standards for financial accountability, fundraising and board governance.
Since 1979, ECFA has provided donors and potential donors with the assurance that their member organizations adhere to the highest standards of financial integrity and Christian ethics. In addition, ECFA keeps its members informed of accounting, financial, fundraising and legislative matters of common concern and promotes such on Capitol Hill.
Members include more than 1,700 Christian ministries, denominations, churches, educational institutions and other tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Campus Crusade for Christ and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
“IMB has always been conscious of its financial responsibility to Southern Baptists who sacrifice in order to help take the saving message of Jesus Christ to those who haven’t heard,” IMB President Tom Elliff said. “We are pleased to add ECFA accreditation as continued assurance to our constituents that we consistently conform to the highest standards of accountability.”
David Steverson, IMB’s treasurer and vice president for finance, said, “We have always respected the great work that ECFA and its members do to help advance the work of the gospel across the U.S. and around the world. We’ve always endeavored to demonstrate the highest standards of financial ethics, and now we are pleased to be a part of this growing family that shares a common commitment to Kingdom advance.”
IMB passed all of ECFA’s evaluation criteria, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising, according to ECFA’s president, Dan Busby.
“As IMB recognizes that over 6,000 people groups still live with little or no access to the gospel, donors to its ministries may give with confidence of the highest financial integrity,” Busby said.
(EDITOR’S NOTE – Compiled by the IMB communications staff.)