For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Coates Madsen
Director, Standards for Excellence Institute®
acmadsen@standardsforexcellence.org
www.standardsforexcellence.org
443-438-2314
The Standards for Excellence Institute® releases a new version of the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector and expanded resources.
Nonprofits nationwide can benefit from the latest Standards for Excellence release.
Baltimore, MD – February 20, 2025 – The Standards for Excellence Institute, an initiative dedicated to promoting the highest standards of nonprofit ethics and accountability, announces its 2025 re-release of the Standards for Excellence program. The program has been thoughtfully updated to ensure it is accessible and applicable to a wide range of nonprofit organizations. This revision process involved collaboration with a diverse group of nonprofit leaders, whose insights reflect the breadth of perspectives within the sector. The Standards for Excellence code provides actionable guidance that meets nonprofits where they are, supporting their growth and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape—all while centering ethics, equity, transparency, and practical application. New program resources developed by experts now include a user-friendly collection of 49 educational packets, and new and updated tools, samples, and models for nonprofit leaders to use as they navigate the challenges of nonprofit governance and management.
The program focuses on strengthening nonprofits’ ability to achieve their missions, regardless of their size, location, or focus area. The standards are designed to foster trust, bolster accountability, and promote high-quality services—outcomes that benefit organizations and the communities they serve.
Heather Iliff, President & CEO, Standards for Excellence Institute, a project of Maryland Nonprofits:
“We all rely on strong, impactful, well managed, responsibly governed nonprofits to meet crucial community needs. The Standards for Excellence code and program resources provide nonprofits with a proven model of success that has stood the test of time. We are excited to share these program enhancements with nonprofit leaders around the country.”
Ted Bilich, Chair, Standards for Excellence Council, and Founder, Risk Alternatives:
“Nonprofits are always looking for guidance about how they can meet their missions more effectively. This latest version of the Standards provides that support, helping nonprofits of every size achieve excellence. I’m incredibly proud of the work that the Maryland Nonprofits team did to create this impactful resource.”
Lili Leonard, Founder, Black Dog Philanthropic Consulting:
“The Standards for Excellence program equips nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to strengthen their organizations, improve accountability, and maximize community impact. Its resources are invaluable for organizations at any stage of growth or mission focus.”
Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director, The Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence, The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc.:
“We attained Standards for Excellence accreditation in 2022 as we established the Ivy Village Incubator for Nonprofit Excellence. The Incubator benefits our community by helping small emerging nonprofits become viable and sustainable businesses, and to build generational success. Our training equips nonprofit partners with the information, tools, and techniques to also achieve Standards for Excellence recognition so that they in turn can better serve their communities.”
Information about the Standards for Excellence program, including the new version of the Standards for Excellence code, can be found on the website. You will also find information about the Standards for Excellence accreditation process, a list of Replications Partners, and a list of Licensed Consultants. The vast array of subjects covered by the Standards can be seen in the list of Educational Resource Packets.
About the Standards for Excellence Institute®
The Standards for Excellence Institute® is a Maryland Nonprofits program that serves nonprofits throughout the nation. The Institute is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of ethics and accountability in nonprofit governance, management, and operations. It has a dozen state, regional and national partner organizations, and is supported by over 300 Licensed Consultants and 90 volunteers with professional experience in nonprofit governance and administration.
Nonprofit organizations that complete the rigorous application and review process demonstrate adherence to the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. Research shows improvements in fundraising for Standards for Excellence accredited groups, improvements to their governance and management practices, and more. Learn about the program at www.StandardsForExcellence.org.
