Atlanta Wealth Management offers three levels of assessments for nonprofit investment stewards—Level 1 is complementary, while Levels 2 and 3 are consulting assessment engagements with two levels of comprehensiveness.
We highly recommend that every investment steward avail themselves of the complementary SAFE Level 1 Assessment.
Level 1 – Self-Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence (SAFE) – Complementary
We recommend that every investment committee member complete the complementary Self-Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence for Investment Stewards, or SAFE. Any investment steward can use the SAFE to quickly assess their understanding of, and compliance with, a fiduciary standard of care. It consists of 21 "Yes" or "No" questions intended to assist you in analyzing how well your organization meets the Prudent Practices discussed on the FOUNDATIONS page. You can download a complementary SAFE for Investment Stewards to review or complete.
To discuss the results of your SAFE, or to receive a complimentary commercially-printed copy, CONTACT US.
Level 2 – Consultant’s Review of Fiduciary Practices (CRFP)
When a foundation needs advice on its fiduciary practices, Atlanta Wealth Management offers the Consultant’s Review of Fiduciary Practices (CRFP). The CREP provides a more detailed high-level analysis of how well your organization’s investment management and governance processes conform to the Global Fiduciary Standard of Excellence defined by the Center for Fiduciary Studies.
CEFEX, or Centre for Fiduciary Excellence, is an independent global assessment and certification organization. It works closely with investment fiduciaries and industry experts to provide comprehensive assessment programs to improve risk management for institutional and retail investors. CEFEX certification helps determine the trustworthiness of investment fiduciaries.
A CEFEX Analyst is someone who holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™(AIFA®) designation and has appropriate industry training and experience to perform CEFEX assessments.
Our CEFEX Analyst will conduct the CRFP Review primarily by analyzing your organization’s investment management processes, including:
- Fiduciary acknowledgements
- Investment Policy Statements
- Asset allocation models and assumptions
- Performance monitoring processes
- Current investment lineups
- Fees and expenses; and
- Conflict of interest policies
Upon completion, you will receive:
- A CEFEX Report that summarizes our findings and evaluates your organization’s conformance with fiduciary best practices. Nonconformities and Opportunities for Improvement are identified
- A fi360 Fiduciary Monitoring Report that analyzes and rates the prudence of your investment portfolio in a variety of areas, including performance, style drift, risk management, and asset allocation
- A fi360 Fee and Expense Report that provides a clear summary of fees charged by investment companies and advisors
- A Registered Opinion Letter from CEFEX that states that the Review was conducted in accordance with CEFEX’s assessment standards.
Level 3 – CEFEX Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence (CAFE)
When a foundation desires a more comprehensive assessment of its fiduciary practices, or wants to publicly demonstrate adherence to the Global Fiduciary Standard of Excellence, we offer the CEFEX Certification Assessment. Our CEFEX Analyst will work with you to create a customized plan for examining all your fiduciary practices employing the CEFEX Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence (CAFE). The CAFE is an independent verification of an Investment Steward’s conformity to all Practices and Criteria that comprise the Global Standard of Fiduciary Excellence. A successful Level 3 Assessment can result in formal recognition, or “Certification,” from CEFEX and implies that a fiduciary can demonstrate adherence to the industry’s best practices, and is positioned to earn the public’s trust.
The output of the Assessment is similar to the CRFP Review, however the CEFEX Report contains significantly more detail, including descriptions of the Nonconformities and Opportunities for Improvement.
A CEFEX Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence (CAFE) may follow a Consultant’s Review of Fiduciary Practices (CRFP). If a CAFE is performed within six months of a CRFP, the CAFE assessment fee can be significantly less because much of the work required to complete the CRFP is transferable to the CAFE.
Why Have a Foundation Fiduciary Assessment?
As a fiduciary of your foundation, your donors and charities depend on you to oversee an important asset. The foundation is often the most important vehicle for grantees and can determine their ability to fulfil their mission. Donors want to be assured that their donation is maximizing the mission of the charity and that the foundation is maximizing the value of their donation. The questions raised and facts gathered during an assessment can help investment stewards demonstrate that they are fulfilling their fiduciary obligations.
Non-profits and private foundations can use the Assessment as a means of earning CEFEX Certification, the industry’s highly respected fiduciary seal of approval for investment stewards. Certification is an excellent way for your organization to demonstrate ongoing trustworthiness to donors and the public, since it must be renewed annually.
- A Foundation Fiduciary Assessment may help you:
- Demonstrate your stewardship to existing donors
- Increase the size and number of charitable contributions
- Improve investment performance by following a prudent investment process
- Reduce fiduciary liability Insurance costs
Learn more about The Benefits of Choosing an Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ Designee