What Makes an Organization Financially Trustworthy?
Thoughts on evaluating financial integrity from Mark Erkenswick — Partner-in-Charge of Audit at KPMG
“When I think about the power of giving, I always come back to one thing: trust. Whether it’s a $50 donation or a six-figure gift, the choice to give is an act of faith that your money will make a difference. But how do you know if it’s being used wisely?
As someone who has spent decades auditing organizations and reviewing financial systems, I’ve seen it all—the good, the bad, and the disorganized. That’s why I’m passionate about helping people understand what financial integrity looks like and why it matters.
Integrity & Transparency
When it comes to financial trustworthiness, it all starts with integrity. For me, this means that the individuals responsible for leading an organization operate with honesty and uphold the highest standards. Everything comes back to that.
Integrity needs to be more than just a value on paper—it needs to guide every decision. Leadership must set the tone. Do they lead with a mindset of cutting corners, or do they strive to operate with excellence in every dimension of the organization? That tone at the top is critical to building trust.
Finally, I can’t overstate the value of an independent audit. Having an external party come in and validate the organization’s financial health gives everyone confidence that the numbers are accurate and the processes are sound.
““My question for anyone considering strategic giving is this; ‘What’s one step you can take today to give differently and make a bigger impact?’ Sometimes, the smallest changes can unlock the greatest blessings.””
The Right People & Resources
You also need capable people who can execute effectively. Having the right skills within your team—or knowing when to bring in external expertise—is essential. When I see an organization invest in training or bring in outside service providers to fill gaps, it tells me they’re serious about doing things the right way.
And then there’s oversight. A good board of directors plays a vital role here. Their job isn’t to do the work but to make sure management is doing it well. The board should have people who understand the financial side of things and who aren’t afraid to ask tough questions.
Trustworthy Relationships
At the end of the day, financial reports and audits can only go so far in building trust. For me, trust comes down to relationships.
Trustworthy organizations often prioritize relationships and invite questions that help supporters engage in their mission. When you take the time to get to know the people behind the organization - see their passion, creativity, and commitment to doing things right, you’ll know whether they’re worthy of your trust.
If you’re looking to invest strategically in an organization, my advice is simple: get connected. Talk to the leadership, learn how they think and operate, and see how their mission comes to life. That’s how you build trust, and it’s how you’ll know your support is being stewarded well.
““When I reflect on the power of giving, I always come back to trust. It’s about the faith you place in an organization to use your giving wisely. That trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and a commitment to aligning every decision with the mission at hand.””
Listen to our Full Interview with Mark on the Lasting Change Podcast:
Mark Erkenswick
Mark Erkenswick is a CPA with over 28 years of experience in public accounting. He serves as a partner-in-charge of audit at KPMG, one of the world’s leading global public accounting firms. Mark specializes in helping organizations establish internal controls, financial accountability, and robust oversight processes.
Beyond his professional career, Mark is deeply invested in nonprofit work. He has served for over five years as the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for One Collective, where he oversees financial accountability and ensures the organization maintains its commitment to integrity and sound financial practices.