The Standards for Excellence Institute, an initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations operate more ethically and accountably, and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), the statewide association of nonprofits serving the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a licensed partner of the Standards for Excellence Institute, are pleased to announce the addition of four Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultants to Pennsylvania’s nonprofit community. Recently completing the comprehensive requirements of this program, these individuals are now licensed in every aspect of the Standards for Excellence program and are capable of assisting nonprofits throughout the nation. Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultants use their new, extensive knowledge of the multi-faceted initiative to help nonprofits strengthen their governance practices and exceed the rising demand for nonprofit accountability. They provide nonprofit organizations with organizational assessments, consulting, training, and assistance in the application process for national Standards for Excellence accreditation. Licensed Consultants may also use the Standards for Excellence training curricula and educational materials in all areas where the Institute does not have replication partners nationwide. Many licensed consultants will also work with licensed replication partners. Libby Felten, CPA, CGMA, a new Licensed Consultant based in Spring House, Pennsylvania, offered, “In these times of increased competition and scarcity of resources, it is a privilege to become a Standards of Excellence Licensed Consultant to assist not-for-profits in differentiating themselves by attaining the highest standards in governance and management.” “The Standards for Excellence licensed consulting training was enlightening and empowering.  I am honored to be amongst this elite group of consultants dedicated to strengthening the nonprofit sector through national best practices and standards. I look forward to working with the staff at PANO as we utilize the standards to elevate our clients’ operational competencies.” says Monica Gould, CMC, MBA. Tish Mogan, Director of PANO’s Standards for Excellence program, states that “The Standards for Excellence program has assisted thousands of nonprofit organizations in strengthening operational infrastructure and governance practices. PANO’s Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultants multiply this impact tremendously.” The Standards for Excellence Institute’s national Licensed Consultant program has grown each year since its inception in 2006. A searchable directory of consultants can be found on the Institute’s website. Here are the most recent Licensed Consultants:

• Libby Felten, CPA, Spring House, PA
• Monica Gould Strategic Consulting Partners, Mechanicsburg, PA
• Steven Lewis, Steven R. Lewis & Associates, Ardmore, PA 
• Cynthia Love, CAL Funding Initiatives LLC, Lock Haven, PA

PANO is a licensed replication partner of the Standards for Excellence Institute. Standards for Excellence replication partners are licensed to use all program materials, including the Standards for Excellence code, educational resources, training curricula, accreditation program materials and public relations and public education information in a geographically defined area or for a specific group of affiliates, chapters, or related organizations. The Standards for Excellence Institute will offer the next national Licensed Consultant program in the fall of 2016.  For information on applying to participate (applications available Spring 2016), complete the online request for information form. The Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations strives to amplify the impact of the community benefit sector through advocacy, collaboration, learning and support. We envision a vibrant, thriving community where people realize their highest aspirations. PANO works with nonprofits in PA to build capacity and create connections within and across sectors. To learn more, visit www.pano.org. The Standards for Excellence Institute, an operating division of Maryland Nonprofits, uses the Standards for Excellence program as its vehicle for effective change. The Standards for Excellence program works to help nonprofit organizations act ethically and accountably in their management and governance, while enhancing the public's trust in the nonprofit sector.  To learn more, visit www.standardsforexcellence.org. Press Contacts Contact: Amy Coates Madsen Director, Standards for Excellence Institute^® 443.438.2314, acmadsen@standardsforexcellence.org Contact: Tish Mogan Standards for Excellence Director, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations 717.236.8584, tish@pano.org #nonprofitconsultants