Nonprofit organizations should adopt policies, approved by the board of directors, that provide clear guidance on a range of legal, financial, human resources and other areas. The Standards for Excellence® Educational Resource Packets provide a thorough set of instructions and sample policies for the attached list of policies and procedures, including:

• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Document Retention Policy
• Financial Management Policy
• Personnel Policies
• Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts Policy
• Volunteer Policy
• Whistleblower Policy
• Other policies referenced in Form 990
• ... and more!

Want access to these sample policies? Join the Standards for Excellence Institute. Located in Maryland? Join Maryland Nonprofits for these resources and more!

From the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. The Standards for Excellence code, developed by the Standards for Excellence Institute, includes specific benchmarks and measures that provide a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability in your nonprofit organization. The code identifies 6 major areas of nonprofit governance and management: Mission, Strategy, and Evaluation; Leadership: Board, Staff, and Volunteers; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development and Fundraising; and Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy.

The Standards for Excellence® Institute, a program of Maryland Nonprofits, provides the best possible resources to nonprofits nationwide, helping build their capacity to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of their communities. Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute gain access to an online community with an expansive library of resources and customizable templates. The Institute also offers nonprofit accreditation and recognition, a national network of consultants licensed to provide training on the Code, and professional volunteer opportunities.