http://www.standardsforexcellence.org
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 provides a wide array of services to help nonprofit organization implement the Standards in an effort to improve their work. As part of the Standards certification program, organizations voluntarily submit to a rigorous review of all aspects of their program operations. Organizations that have earned the Seal of Excellence have passed this review and found to be exemplary.
The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of trust.
Organizations that display the seal not only obey the law, but go beyond
the minimum requirements set forth by government regulation.
The Seal of Excellence is a symbol
for excellence in nonprofit management.
Organizations that display the seal are guided by a well defined mission,
have evaluation systems in place to measure the effectiveness of their
programs, and adhere to sound financial management policies.
The Seal of Excellence is a symbol
of excellence in leadership.
Organizations that display the seal are led by a volunteer board of directors
that accepts responsibility to oversee the organization's mission, policies,
programs, human and financial resources.
The Seal of Excellence is a symbol
of openness and disclosure in nonprofits.
Organizations that display the seal have information available to the
public, provide truthful responsible stewardship of all donations, and
provide a voice for their constituents.