Standards for Excellence
Your Path to Excellence in Nonprofit Governance and Operations
Your Path to Excellence in Nonprofit Governance and Operations
The Standards for Excellence Institute, housed within Maryland Nonprofits, provides a roadmap for ethical, effective governance and management. By adopting the Standards, your nonprofit can enhance accountability, strengthen operations, and amplify impact.
The Standards for Excellence program is a structured approach for nonprofits to use to build capacity, accountability, and sustainability in their organizations. Based on the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector, this comprehensive framework addresses key areas:
The code is free and accessible to all nonprofits, providing a foundation for excellence at any stage of growth. Nonprofits are encouraged to strengthen their organizations by working to implement all the practices listed in the code.
Use the free Self-Assessment Tool to see how your nonprofit aligns with best practices in governance, operations, and accountability. Identify areas for improvement and plan your next steps.
Maryland Nonprofits members can download resources, including templates and policies, to support implementation of the Standards for Excellence code. These tools simplify adopting best practices.
Stand out by earning Recognition or Accreditation through the Standards for Excellence program. These distinctions showcase your commitment to ethics, accountability, and operational excellence.
Consultants can advance their expertise by becoming Licensed Consultants, equipping them to guide nonprofits in implementing the Standards and achieving accreditation.
Explore year-round training opportunities to build your nonprofit’s capacity and strengthen its adherence to the Standards for Excellence code.
Application fees are paid with each submission of your application (whether Basics level and Basics Enhanced level) and cover the application review. Upon recognition, organizations are subject to a licensing fee. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive the member rate listed in the table below. Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute and of other Replication Partners should check with their respective organizations for fee schedules in their state.
Recognized organizations will pay a licensing fee during the years of the licensing period. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive the member rate listed in the table below. Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute and of other Replication Partners should check with their respective organizations for fee schedules in their state.
The Code is a comprehensive framework for best practices in nonprofit governance and management, addressing mission, leadership, ethics, finance, and more. It’s free and available to all nonprofits.
Nonprofits can publicly demonstrate their commitment to the Standards by earning accreditation, known as the “Seal of Excellence,” or by receiving recognition for achieving “Standards Basics” or “Standards Basics Enhanced.”
Accreditation by the Standards for Excellence Institute signifies that a nonprofit has met rigorous benchmarks in ethics, governance, and accountability.
Take the free Self-Assessment and to see how your nonprofit aligns with best practices in governance, operations, and accountability. Identify areas for improvement and plan your next steps.
Licensed Consultants are specially trained to help nonprofits implement the Standards and pursue accreditation. The program includes facilitation skills, training techniques, and tools to guide organizations through this process.
Nonprofits have access to a library of templates, guides, and policies to help them align with the Standards for Excellence code. Members benefit from exclusive downloadable materials and discounts on training.
Earn Recognition or Accreditation to show your nonprofit’s commitment to excellence, boost credibility, and demonstrate verified dedication to growth and impact.
Learn More
