Educational Resource Packets

The Standards for Excellence Institute has an extensive library of educational resource packets for nonprofit organizations interested in implementing the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

image of ed packet coverThe resource packets include extensive information on implementing specific standards, background information about the standards, best practices associated with each standard, model procedures, and sample policies.

The Standards for Excellence educational resource packets were prepared by conducting an exhaustive review of literature on a particular topic, curating the most useful information, creating original materials (including model policies) where the available information is not sufficient, and packaging the materials in an easy-to-use format. The resources are updated regularly with new information and current practices.

Collectively, the resources cover each of the 67 standards in the Standards for Excellence code. These resource packets are available to members of the Standards for Excellence Institute and Replication Partners.

Become a member now!

Members: Access the Educational Resource Packets

Examples of What’s Included in the Educational Resource Packets

Board Member Responsibilities

Learn about:

  • board’s governance and fiduciary responsibility,
  • board member’s legal responsibilities,
  • board member expectations,
  • strategic meeting agendas,
  • board member development and orientation,
  • board meetings and attendance,
  • and more.

The board member responsibilities packets includes:

  • sample bylaws
  • sample board evaluation,
  • position descriptions,
  • board member handbook,
  • board committees,
  • and more.

Conflicts of Interest

Learn about:

  • why a conflict of interest policy is important and benefits of a policy
  • establishing a conflict of interest policy
  • identifying conflict of interest concerns
  • disclosure
  • independent review and approval
  • annual disclosure and review
  • other family relationships
  • duality of interest and confluence of interest

The Conflict of Interest packet includes:

  • model conflict of interest policy
  • sample questionnaire on family and business relationships

Other Topics Covered in the Educational Resource Packets Include:

  • Mission, Vision, Values and Impact,
  • Program Evaluation,
  • Maintaining Legal Compliance, 
  • Preparing the Budget,
  • Crisis and Disaster Management,
  • Engaging in Lobbying and Public Activity,
  • and many more

Members Can Access All These Valuable Resources

Educational Resource Packets Titles

  • Mission, Vision, Values and Impact (#1)
  • Planning Strategically Part 1 (#2)
  • Planning Strategically Part 2: Putting Plan into Action with a Community Lens (#3)
  • Organizational Evaluation (#4)
  • Program Evaluation (#5)
  • Strategic Partnerships (#6)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 1: The Board’s Fiduciary Responsibility (#7)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 2: The Board and Executive Partnership (#8)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 3: Board Effectiveness (#9)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 4: Succession Planning (#10)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 5: Board Member Independence ((#11)
  • Leadership and Governance Part 6: Board Meetings (#12)
  • Leadership and Operational Management Part 1: Functions of the Executive (#13)
  • Leadership and Operational Management Part 2: Supporting the Board (Creating Mutual Support) (#14)
  • Leadership and Operational Management Part 3: Organizational and Financial Stability (#15)
  • Leadership and Operational Management Part 4a: Managing Employees (#16
  • Leadership and Operational Management Part 4b: Managing Volunteers (#17)
  •  Leadership and Operational Management Part 5: Personnel and Volunteer Policies (#18) 
  • Justice, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (#19)
  • Ethics (#20)
  • Maintaining Legal Compliance (#21)
  • Required Public Disclosures (#22)
  • Reporting Misconduct and Whistleblower Protection (#23)
  • Conflicts of Interest (#24)
  • Budgeting, Reporting, and Monitoring Part 1: Preparing the Budget (#25)
  • Budgeting, Reporting, and Monitoring Part 2: Financial Reporting (#26)
  • Budgeting, Reporting, and Monitoring Part 3: Financial Stewardship (#27)
  • Budgeting, Reporting, and Monitoring Part 4: Audits (#28)
  • Financial Policies (#29)
  • Admin Policies: What are Administrative Policies(#30.1)
  • Admin Policies Federal and state required administrative policies (#30.2)
  • Admin policies: Crisis and Disaster Management (#30.3)
  • Admin Policies; Information Technology (#30.4)
  • Admin Policies: Communications and Social Media (#30.5)
  • Risk Management and Insurance (#31)
  • Resource Development Plan Part 1: Developing a Fundraising Plan (#32)
  • Resource Development Plan Part 2: Managing Fundraising Costs (#33)
  • Sources of Income (#34)
  • Fundraising Activities Part 1: Ethics (#35)
  • Fundraising Activities Part 2: Donor Intent (#36)
  • Fundraising Activities Part 3: Respectful Solicitations (#37)
  • Donor Relationships and Privacy (#38)
  • Acceptance of Gifts (#39)
  • Fundraising on Behalf of Organization Part 1: Working with Fundraisers (#40)
  • Fundraising on Behalf of the Organization Part 2: Registering for and Reporting on Fundraising (#41)
  • Fundraising on Behalf of the Organization Part 3: Paying Fundraisers (#42)
  • Educating and Engaging the Public (#43)
  • Advancing the Mission through Public Policy and Advocacy (#44)
  • Engaging in Lobbying and Public Activity (#45)