At Peak Performance the organization is mature, with programs and fundraising functioning at a high levels. Founders have rotated-off the board of directors, and the board is diverse. Administrative systems are well-developed. The focus overall is on increasing quality, scale, and impact. The organization is collaborative and recognized as a community and sector-wide leader.
BEWARE: “Founders syndrome” may be a factor, the results of which may be stagnation, complacency, and disconnectivity.
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Standards for Excellence Guiding Principles
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Characteristics and Priorities
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Maryland Nonprofits' Resources
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Mission, Strategy and Evaluation
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- Use strategic plan as a guide.
- Focus on increasing impact and performance; put strong programs in place.
- Implement evaluation and metrics for all programs.
- Collaborate with other organizations.
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 Standards for Excellence Packet: Strategic Partnerships- Standards for Excellence Packet: Program Evaluation
- Resource: Our Consultants
- Data Dashboard Sample
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Leadership: Board, Staff and Volunteers
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- Board may be a governing board, and founders may have rotated off.
- Professionalize Executive leadership.
- Prioritize building a learning organization.
- Focus on recruitment and retention of talent.
- Board and CEO set clear performance goals and evaluate performance. Add 360 Evaluation to the process.
- Hire program managers; increase diversity of staff, first staff firing may occur.
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- Resource: Executive Director Evaluation Tool
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Cultural Competency
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Succession Planning
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Board Member Responsibilities
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Board and Executive Partnership
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Legal Compliance and Ethics
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- Programmatic compliance may be more complex; may add professional compliance office.
- File for property tax exemption.
- Register for Maryland State charitable solicitation.
- Register lobbyist(s) - if applicable.
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- Standards for Excellence Packet: Legal Requirements Checklist
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Developing a Code of Ethics
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Finance and Operations
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- Create well-developed policies and procedures.
- Hire multiple support staff.
- Revamp hardware and software programs.
- May purchase or renovate property.
- Annual audit (if greater than $500,000 in revenue).
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Resource Development
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- Organization size may be at its peak.
- Establish a self-perpetuating volunteer structure; volunteer coordinator may be hired.
- Establish stable funding and the development of an operating reserve.
- Explore new and expanded funding sources; a fundraiser position may be added.
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- Consulting on Fundraising - Capital Campaigns
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Fundraising, Solicitation, Acceptance of Gifts, and Working with Donors
- Standards for Excellence Packet: Resource Development Planning and Source of Income
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Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy
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- Organization plays leadership role in field and community.
- Lead or participate in coalitions.
- May focus on advocacy and systemic change.
- Create sophisticated marketing efforts, professional image, and developed marketing plan.
- Organization may expand beyond word of mouth promotion.
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Better governance and management practices allow you to focus on meeting your mission, strengthen fundraising, improve decision-making, prepare for transition, minimize risk, and engage your board. Learn more about the Standards for Excellence Code - and embark on your organization's path to Excellence.