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Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector

Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 December 2008

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Summary

The Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (Maryland Nonprofits) is committed to bolstering public confidence in and support for the nonprofit sector. Therefore, Maryland Nonprofits has developed these Standards for Excellence® (Standards) to promote ethical practices and accountability in nonprofit organizations across the state.

Nonprofit organizations must comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws. These Standards build on that foundation, and go a step further. Based on fundamental values - such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, compassion, responsibility, and accountability - these Standards describe how nonprofits should act to be ethical and be accountable in their program operations, governance, human resources, financial management and fundraising. Eight (8) Guiding Principles are provided, along with fifty-five (55) Standards - more detailed performance benchmarks that will enable nonprofits to strengthen their operations.