Standards for Excellence
Maryland Nonprofits Closed in Observation of Juneteenth
The Maryland Nonprofits office will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2020, in observation of Juneteenth. The Juneteenth holiday celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. On June 19, 1865 – two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln...
Important News on Federal Financial Assistance – Aid to Larger Nonprofits
Finally, there is now progress in getting financial assistance for larger nonprofits. The Federal Reserve has proposed extending its Main Street lending program to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) nonprofits. The Main Street program proposal targets small and medium-sized...
Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY) Elects New Officers!
Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY) has elected new officers for 2020-2021! Chair Chloe Perez Hearts and Homes for Youth Vice Chair Simone Bramble KidsPeace Secretary Nicole Smith Board of Child Care Policy Chair Damon Thompson Building...
52 tips in 52 weeks blog: May I Announce My Candidacy on Your Front Steps?
News headlines in the recent past have been filled with stories of candidates for political office using nonprofit organizations as backdrops for their campaigning efforts without asking for permission and in some cases, while harming people in the process. To many,...
Attention Nonprofit Consultants!
Are you ready to take your nonprofit consulting services to the next level? The Standards for Excellence Institute’s Licensed Consultant Training is an exclusive professional development initiative that gives independent consultants the knowledge, skills, and tools...
We Stand Against Oppression of Freedom of Speech and Assembly
We Call on Maryland’s Leaders to Take Action Addressing Racial Injustice Maryland Nonprofits is committed to promoting racial and social justice among the nonprofit community and in all public policies. We are outraged over recent – and chronic –...
Developing Your Own Statement
The Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector calls for “all organizations to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work as part of their missions.” Most organizations have incorporated these principles...
Saying No to Proxy Voting on your Board
As we discussed in last week’s 52 Tips blog post, nonprofit board members are needed now more than ever. Organizations are stretched and need strong support from their governing bodies. The Standards for Excellence code offers the important tenet that “Board members...
George Floyd: Don’t Look Away (Part One)
The horrific killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis seen on video worldwide has laid bare the state of systemic white violence and oppression toward Black and Brown people in America. In not looking away, we open ourselves to taking action at a time when little things don’t seem like enough, but every step we take counts.
Public Policy Updates – June 1, 2020
Last week - the final week of May 2020 - was full of policy decisions and developments, setting the stage for more to come.