Glossary of Standards for Excellence Terms

Rules and procedures that govern the internal operations and administration of an organization

Working to change public policies and systems to benefit the community. This can include educating people, running public campaigns, and organizing community efforts. It’s broader than lobbying, which specifically targets lawmakers.

Valuable resources owned by an organization that can provide future benefits

Rules that govern how an organization operates

An organized effort to raise a set amount of money for a specific purpose within a certain time frame. It usually includes various fundraising activities to engage donors.

Payment given to employees or volunteers for their work

The environment, terms, and conditions under which employees operate, including hours, safety, responsibilities, and rights

A situation where someone’s personal interests could influence their professional actions

Related to the circumstances or setting in which something exists or happens

A set of instructions, prepared ahead of time, that provide guidance for handling potential emergencies, with the goal of keeping everyone safe and the organization running smoothly

Digital money that uses encryption for security and operates without a central bank

Making important information known, especially financial details

The presence of differences within a given setting, including race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and other attributes

Keeping and storing documents for a certain period to meet legal and operational requirements

A thorough review of a business or organization by a potential partner, donor, or investor to understand its strengths and weaknesses

Money a nonprofit makes from selling goods or services, like membership fees, ticket sales, or products. This helps the organization have diverse income sources and stay sustainable.

The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups

A person with senior managerial responsibility in an organization

People trusted to manage and protect an organization’s assets, acting in its best interest

Guidelines and procedures for managing an organization’s financial resources and operations

A detailed report of an organization’s financial activities and status

A fiscal year is the period used for calculating annual (“yearly”) financial statements in businesses and other organizations.

Raising money from people, businesses, and other organizations to support a nonprofit’s activities and programs

How an organization is managed and directed, including the roles of the board, management, and other interested parties

A formal complaint by an employee or member about workplace conditions or treatment

Inappropriate or unethical behavior

The practice of creating environments in which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued

Donations of goods, services, or time instead of money

An individual who has a vested interest in the operations and outcomes of an organization, often due to personal, financial, or professional connections

Following all laws, rules, and ethical standards that apply to the organization. This includes proper paperwork, accurate record-keeping, and good governance practices.

Trying to influence government officials to make decisions that benefit the organization

The main purpose of a nonprofit and what it aims to achieve. It explains why the organization exists and who it helps.

Working together with other organizations to achieve shared goals. Partnerships combine resources, skills, and efforts for greater impact.

The way in which power and influence are distributed and exercised among members of an organization

The process of buying goods, services, or works from outside sources

Reviewing and analyzing a program to see how well it’s working, what impact it’s having, and whether it is helping fulfill the mission. Evaluations help organizations improve programs and make informed decisions.

An individual or organization identified as a potential contributor to a nonprofit’s fundraising efforts

A nonprofit organization that receives a substantial portion of its support from the general public or the government

Based on descriptions or qualities rather than numbers

Based on measurements or quantities that can be counted

Related to the rules and laws set by government agencies that organizations must follow

Repaying someone for money they spent on behalf of the organization

A strategic plan for identifying, securing, and managing the financial, human, and material resources needed to support an organization’s goals

A way to measure how much benefit or profit an investment brings compared to its cost. In nonprofits, this can also include the positive social impact.

Identifying and dealing with potential threats to the organization’s success

Explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedures within a particular area of activity

Asking for donations or support from people, businesses, or other organizations

Creating a detailed plan for the future, setting goals, and deciding how to reach them. It helps an organization focus its resources and efforts on important priorities that align with its mission.

Taking good care of something valuable, often related to managing donor relations and funds

The ability to maintain or support an activity or process over the long term

A strategic plan that outlines how an organization will continue to operate and achieve its goals over time without depleting resources

Being open and honest about what the organization does, its decisions, and its finances. This builds trust with supporters and the public.

Money earned from activities that are not related to the main mission of the organization

A person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task without pay

A policy designed to protect individuals who report illegal or unethical behavior within an organization from retaliation