Baltimore, MD – December 16, 2021; The Standards for Excellence Institute, an initiative designed to help nonprofit organizations operate more ethically and accountably, announces its 2021 Class of Licensed Consultants.

Thirty-two class members hailing from various regions of the country completed the intensive, five-day virtual training seminar and can now assist nonprofits nationwide. They bring over 530 collective years of nonprofit experience to the table and represent organizations from Illinois to Maryland to Texas – and many places in between.

Standards for Excellence Licensed Consultants use their 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. Many licensed consultants will also work with licensed replication partners.

Cara Fogarty, of the Nonprofit Institute at the College of Southern Maryland, shared her thoughts on the program:

"It was truly an honor to be a part of the Standards for Excellence Fall 2021 Licensed Consultant Training Class. I learned so much and filled in knowledge gaps. The speakers and my classmates were inspiring and the topics we covered were robust and varied.

I'm excited to bring my enhanced knowledge to nonprofits in Southern Maryland -- they are the immediate beneficiaries of this training -- and to students in our prospective nonprofit workforce development program."

Thomas Brush, of Advancement Designs, reflected on the best parts of his experience:

"I was really impressed with the Standards for Excellence program and the opportunity to learn more about it during training and certification last week. As someone who has been in the nonprofit industry for almost 30 years, it is great to add the Standards to my tool kit of resources to help nonprofit organizations.

We were able to learn with and get connected to a new network of nonprofit leaders in the class who brought unique knowledge, experience, and perspective to the group. The presenters for each standard were excellent and very knowledgeable. It is great that we will be able to join that network and connect with such leaders.

The week went by amazingly quickly thanks to a well-outlined program, interesting topics and presenters, unique ways to engage and connect our cohort, and excellent facilitators. I would highly recommend this program to up-and-coming nonprofit leaders as well as to more experienced leaders and consultants. It provides a baseline for all nonprofits to try and achieve which will only help the organizations grow and serve their community more effectively."

When asked to reflect on her experience during the training, Tharesa Lee, of Intentional Excellence Consulting offered, “Nothing can compare to the spirit of excellence among professionals, gleaning affirming and contributing to each other."

Kate Schulze of Ethics Alliance Maryland, LLC, stated:

“One of the most comprehensive and practical training courses I’ve attended in my professional career. The tools provided are invaluable and I was pleased to be part of such a talented cohort of applicant/professionals. Their diversity of experience and willingness to teach and share knowledge was very much appreciated. A very enriching and rewarding experience."

Introducing the Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute® Licensed Consultant Class of 2021:

*Participated as a member of a licensed replication partner organization.

The 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.

The 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.

Those interested in becoming a licensed consultant have the opportunity to join the 2022 Class can find information and sign up to be notified when applications are available here!