THE 10 STANDARDS FOR EXCELLENCE/ASSESSMENT AREAS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNITY BENEFIT ORGANIZATIONS

(*Adapted from An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector developed by The Standards for Excellence Institute as well as the competencies developed by national CBO executives and university faculty for the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, formerly American Humanics, Inc.) GOVERNANCE (Board Development & Strategic Planning) The organizations aspirations (i.e., Vision, Mission, & Goals), as defined and approved by the board of directors, should be formally and specifically stated. The organizations activities should be consistent with its stated purpose. The board should: o engage in longterm and shortterm planning activities and have a written strategic plan that is periodically reviewed. o establish policies for the effective management of the organization, including financial and personnel policies. o approve the organizations annual budget, periodically assess the organizations financial performance, and approve the findings of the organizations annual audit. o hire the executive director, set executive compensation, evaluate the directors performance at least annually, and periodically review the appropriateness of the overall compensation structure of the organization. The board should have no fewer than five (5) unrelated, disinterested, directors, reflecting the diversity of communities served, and all should serve terms set forth by the bylaws without compensation for board service. The board is responsible for its own operations, including the training and development of board members, establishing expectations for participation in fundraising and other activities, meeting as frequently as is needed to fully and adequately conduct the business of the organization, and keeping written meeting attendance and minutes reflecting board actions. MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS/COMMUNITY OUTREACH Have a written marketing plan for the organization that is periodically reviewed by the staff and board Provide the public with an annual report (printed or web-based) that includes information about the organizations mission, program activities, and finances, and identifies the names of the organizations board of directors and management staff Demonstrate a consistency of messaging/branding in the organizations materials (printed and web-based) Be accessible and responsive to members of the public who express interest in the affairs of the organization, demonstrating openness and transparency through availability of the organizations Annual Report and Form 990/990EZ) DIVERSITY AWARENESS AND INTEGRATION Demonstrated commitment to professionalism in program service to diverse populations Board, Staff, & Volunteer demographics reflect the diversity of populations served Appreciation of similarities and differences is identified as a part of the organizations code of conduct Mindful approach to successfully navigate encounters, dilemmas, and challenges with diverse populations FUND DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY Variety of fundraising activities utilized to support organizations mission, including major gifts, planned giving, in-kind support, annual funds, foundation & government grants & special events Appropriate fundraising cost ratios (3:1 recommended) Solicitation & Acceptance of Gifts (promotional materials are accurate, truthful, and correctly identify the organization, its mission, and intended use of solicited funds, and policies are in place to govern the acceptance & dispensing of charitable gifts) Abide by the AFPs Donor Bill of Rights to respect the privacy of donors and safeguard the confidentiality of information INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY Requisite computer equipment and technology is available to staff and volunteers Recognize the social impact, ethical considerations, and responsibilities of using technology (privacy and use policies) Appropriate utilization of Web 2.0 social media technology Utilize database tracking for various constituencies (donors, volunteers, clients, staff, etc.) ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Written financial policies (adequate for the organizations size and complexity) governing: 1. Investments, 2. Internal control procedures, 3. Purchasing practices, and 4. Unrestricted current net assets Appropriate procedures for developing annual budget Appropriate standards for effective control and monitoring of fiscal operations, including a confidential means to report suspected financial impropriety or misuse of organization resources and a written whistle-blower policy prohibiting retaliation against persons reporting improprieties Accuracy of financial reports audited by a CPA (for CBOs with annual revenue in excess of $300,000) PUBLIC POLICY (Advocacy and Lobbying) Written policy on advocacy defining the process by which the organization determines positions on specific issues Determine whether the organization should file the 501h election with the IRS Adequate representation of the interests of the people served through public education and public policy advocacy Compliance with legal financial limitations for lobbying expenditures and prohibition of partisan political activity PROGRAM PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION, & EVALUATION Recognition of market niche and/or need for leveraging (i.e., coordination, collaboration, or merger) with other organization(s), including cross-sector Clear process for developing and implementing new programs, including conducting a needs assessment for the targeted clientele Procedures for evaluating, both qualitatively and quantitatively, programs and projects in relation to mission (includes receiving input and monitoring satisfaction of program participants) Appropriate methods to share and disseminate outputs, outcomes, and impacts RISK MANAGEMENT, LEGAL, AND ETHICAL ISSUES Compliance with basic laws and regulations under which CBOs operate, including, but not limited to: complying with laws and regulations related to fundraising, licensing, financial accountability, document retention & destruction, human resources, lobbying and political advocacy, and taxation Appropriate levels of insurance coverage in light of the nature and extent of the organizations activities and its financial capacity Explicit standards for behavior and a code of conduct for employees and volunteers Application of the four basic steps to risk management: Acknowledge and identify risks; 2. Evaluate and prioritize risks; 3. Select risk management tools; 4. Evaluate results and revise strategies HUMAN RESOURCES AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT Personnel policies and procedures covering the basic elements of the employment relationship (e.g., working conditions, employee benefits, vacation & sick leave) as well as employee evaluation, supervision, hiring and firing, grievance procedures, employee growth and development, confidentiality of employee, client, & organization records & information Appropriate techniques for the recruitment, orientation/screening, training, motivation, supervision, evaluation, recognition, retention, and promotion of staff and volunteers Written job descriptions for each employee clearly identifying roles and responsibilities and a system in place for regular written evaluation of employees by their respective supervisors (at least annually) Appropriate components of a volunteer program, including a volunteer coordinator and volunteer manual (outlining written volunteer position descriptions, volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, and recognition/rewards, etc.)