Information for Funders

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Standards of Excellence Accreditation Helps Funders

Accreditation or recognition by the Standards for Excellence Institute means that an organization has had an independent third-party expert review of its policies, procedures, and practices. Funders can confidently use this information as a testament to the organization’s commitment to accountability and established practices. 

Accreditation or recognition by the Standards for Excellence Institute takes the guesswork out of supporting nonprofits. As foundations and grantmakers, you have many nonprofits vying for your support. You must:

  • Decide where your investments will have the greatest impact.
  • Be certain that grant applicants are operating in an upright, accountable, and ethical way.
  • Ensure that each project you fund is successful, achieving the impacts proposed in the grant application.

Accredited organizations:

  • Are better stewards of financial resources.
  • Are more effective at achieving their missions through effectively led programs.
  • Fulfill their legal and ethical fiduciary obligations with transparency.
  • Develop resources truthfully, responsibly, and sustainably.
  • Engage their communities.

Give With Confidence

Organizations that go through the accreditation process have been evaluated and reviewed by teams of nonprofit experts to ensure they live by the comprehensive Standards for Excellence code. The Standards for Excellence code has been thoroughly researched and its materials and guidelines are frequently updated.

Once a nonprofit is accredited, it earns the right to display the Standards for Excellence Seal.

The Standards for Excellence Seal demonstrates that the organization is in the best position to do the most good in the communities it serves. For example, you as a funder can be confident the nonprofit has appropriate internal controls in place, has a comprehensive advocacy policy, evaluates its programs, has a strong board of directors, and has done all it can to avoid conflicts of interest.

When you see Standards for Excellence Seal, you can give with confidence.

Find Accredited Nonprofits
Standards for Excellence Seal Accredited
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The Standards Effect: Research Supports Accreditation

“The Standards for Excellence Institute has provided a common-sense approach to achieving best practices in standards in governance and management to nonprofits in our region. By using this approach, organizations in Northeast Alabama have continued their growth trajectory through the completion of this program.”
-Fred Smith, MPA, CAP, Vice President of Community Partnerships, Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama

Interested in Learning More?

Contact Amy Coates Madsen, Director of the Standards for Excellence Institute, at acmadsen@standardsforexcellence.org or 443-438-2314 to learn more about the Standards for Excellence Institute, or about Accreditation and Recognition.

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