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Standards for Excellence® Program
Mission and Program
Nonprofits are founded for the public good and operate to accomplish a stated purpose through specific program activities. A nonprofit should have a well defined mission, and its programs should effectively and efficiently work toward achieving that mission. Nonprofits have an obligation to ensure program effectiveness and to devote the resources of the organization to achieving its stated purpose.
A. Mission C. Program Evalulation
B. Organizational Evaluation D. Program Service
Governing Board
Nonprofits are governed by an elected, volunteer board of directors that should consist of individuals who are committed to the mission of the organization. An effective nonprofit board should determine the mission of the organization, establish management policies and procedures, assure that adequate human resources and financial resources are available, and actively monitor the organization’s management, financial and programmatic performance.
A. Board Responsibilities C. Conduct of the Board
B. Board Composition
Conflict of Interest
Nonprofit board and staff members should act in the best interest of the organization, rather than in furtherance of personal interests or the interests of third parties. A nonprofit should have policies in place, and should routinely and systematically implement those policies, to prevent actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
A. Conflict of Interest Policy B. Conflict of interest statement
Openness
Nonprofits are private corporations that operates for public benefits with support from the general public. As such, they should provide the public with informaion about their mission, program activities, and finances. A nonprofit should be accessibe and responsive to member of the public who express interest in the affairs of the organization.
A. Annual Report B. Public Access
Human Resources
A nonprofit’s relationship to its employees and volunteers is fundamental to its ability to achieve its mission. Volunteers occupy a special place in nonprofit organizations, serving in governance, administrative and programmatic capacities. An organization’s human resources policies should address both paid employees and volunteers, and should be fair, establish clear expectations, and provide for meaningful and effective performance evaluation.
A. Personnel Policies C. Employee Orientation
B. Employee Performance Evaluation
Financial and Legal Issues
Nonprofits must practice sound financial management and comply with a diverse array of legal and regulatory requirements. A nonprofit’s financial system should assure that accurate financial records are kept and that the organization’s financial resources are used in furtherance of the organization’s charitable purposes.
A. Financial Accountability B. Legal Compliance and Accountability
Fundraising
Charitable fundraising provides an important source of financial support for the work of most nonprofit organizations. An organization’s fundraising program should be maintained on a foundation of truthfulness and responsible stewardship. Its fundraising policies should be consistent with its mission, compatible with its organization capacity, and respectful of the interests of donors and prospective donors.
A. Fundraising Activities C. Acceptance of Gifts
B. Donor Relationships and Privacy D. Fundraisers
Public Affairs and Public Policy
Nonprofits should represent interests of the people they serve through public education and public policy advocacy, as well as by encouraging board members, staff, volunteers and constituents to participate in the public affairs of the community.
A. Public Policy Advocacy C. Promoting Public Participation
B. Public Education
Accounting & Consulting
