Our own President/CPA will serve as peer reviewer of nonprofit organizations seeking the Seal of Excellence.  The Maryland Nonprofits Standards for Excellence® Program is designed to promote excellence and integrity in nonprofit organizations. The program is based on a code of conduct called the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. The Standards for Excellence® program offers a variety of services to assist nonprofits with implementing the standards in order to improve their governance and management. As part of the standards certification program, organizations voluntarily submit to a rigorous review of all aspects of their operations. Organizations that pass this review earn the Seal of Excellence. 

The Standards are based on honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility and accountability. They set a high benchmark and go beyond the minimum legal requirements by outlining how well managed and responsibly governed nonprofits should operate.  The Standards cover eight areas of nonprofit operations:

1. Mission and Program 
2. Governing Board
3. Conflicts of Interest
4. Human Resources
5. Financial and Legal Accountability
6. Openness and Disclosure
7. Fundraising
8. Public Policy and Public Affairs

This is an excellent opportunity for us to expand and improve our expertise with nonprofit organizations.  We hope to use this experience to advise our nonprofit clients on these areas of governance.  We also encourage nonprofits who wish to take the next step and obtain a Seal of Excellence to discuss with us how to prepare for this process.  It will definitely distinguish you among other nonprofits!

Maribel Torres-Piñero, CPA