Standards for Excellence
The Standards for Excellence are an A-Z resource on best practices for nonprofit organizational governance, management, policies and procedures, and legal compliance at any stage of a nonprofit’s lifecycle. The centerpiece is the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. It identifies 6 major areas of nonprofit governance and management which include specific benchmarks and measures that provide a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability in your organization. View the code.
STANDARDS ACCREDITATION OR RECOGNITION WILL BENEFIT YOUR NONPROFIT BY INCREASING REVENUE, STRENGTHENING YOUR BOARD, AND MORE…
The Seal of Excellence lets stakeholders know that precious resources are being stewarded wisely. The communities you serve, your board and your staff will have confidence in the quality of your programs, your accountability and openness, and your commitment to best practices. Current Seal holders report that the Standards help them to:
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MEMBERSHIP WITH MARYLAND NONPROFITS PROVIDES ORGANIZATIONS WITH A COMMON SENSE APPROACH TO ACHIEVE THE STANDARDS
- Gain access to a digital library of turnkey educational resources that includes best practices related to nonprofit management and governance issues, assessment tools, model procedures and sample policies, and real examples from leading nonprofits that are accredited by the Standards for Excellence Institute. See what’s included.
- Participate in trainings that introduce the standards to your board and staff, help you assess your readiness for implementing the standards, and ultimately strengthen your organization and enhance program quality and delivery. View Upcoming Events.
- Stand out from the crowd. Become accredited or recognized as an organization that adheres to the Standards for Excellence code. Through the Standards for Excellence accreditation and recognition program, your nonprofit can earn the Seal of Excellence or become recognized through a tiered recognition program (available to members at reduced rates). The designation will be automatically noted on your Guidestar profile. Learn more.
- Need help? Leverage a network of Licensed Consultants – consultants who are specially trained in the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools – to help you implement the code. Find a consultant.
ACCREDITATION TIERS AND FEES
Tiered Recognition Fees
APPLICATION FEES
Application fees are paid with submission of your application and cover the application review. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive a discount on application fees – join today! Nonprofit Development Center (NDC) participants may apply for recognition at no cost – see NDC eligibility and apply online.
ORGANIZATION BUDGET |
MEMBER |
NON-MEMBER |
| Less than $250,000 | $150 | $300 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $200 | $400 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $400 | $800 |
| $1 million – $5 million | $750 | $1,500 |
| $5 million – $10 million | $1,250 | $2,500 |
| $10 million – $50 million | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| $50 million and higher | $3,500 | $7,000 |
ANNUAL LICENSE FEES
Recognized organizations will pay a licensing fee during each year of the licensing period as follows. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive a discount on application fees – join today! NDC participants’ license fee will be waived – see NDC eligibility and apply online.
ORGANIZATION BUDGET |
MEMBER |
NON-MEMBER |
| Less than $250,000 | $50 | $100 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $75 | $150 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $100 | $200 |
| $1 million – $5 million | $150 | $300 |
| $5 million – $10 million | $250 | $500 |
| $10 million – $50 million | $375 | $750 |
| $50 million and higher | $700 | $1,400 |
Accreditation Fees
APPLICATION FEES
Application fees are paid with submission of your application (whether Basics or Basics Enhanced) and cover the application review. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive a discount on application fees – join today!
ORGANIZATION BUDGET |
MEMBER |
NON-MEMBER |
| Less than $250,000 | $250 | $500 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $450 | $900 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $750 | $1,500 |
| $1 million – $5 million | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| $5 million – $10 million | $1,750 | $3,500 |
| $10 million – $50 million | $3,750 | $7,500 |
| $50 million and higher | $7,000 | $14,000 |
ANNUAL LICENSE FEES
Accredited organizations will pay a licensing fee each year of the licensing period. Organizations will apply for renewal after the initial three years and thereafter every five years. Members of Maryland Nonprofits receive a discount on license fees – join today!
ORGANIZATION BUDGET |
MEMBER |
NON-MEMBER |
| Less than $250,000 | $100 | $200 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | $150 | $300 |
| $500,000 – $1 million | $200 | $400 |
| $1 million – $5 million | $300 | $600 |
| $5 million – $10 million | $650 | $1,300 |
| $10 million – $50 million | $1,250 | $2,500 |
| $50 million and higher | $2,000 | $4,000 |
Ready to get started? Start your Accreditation or Recognition application today!
