We do this through the Standards for Excellence® program, also known as “the Standards.” The centerpiece of the Standards is a set of nonprofit operational guidelines called the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.
PANO is accredited by the Standards for Excellence Institute and is a proud replication partner, which allows us to offer trainings and other programs to Pennsylvania nonprofits.
Since 1996, the Standards for Excellence® program has guided nonprofits in achieving high ethical standards, transparency, and strong governance. The 2025 update ensures that the program remains accessible, practical, and adaptable for organizations of all sizes and missions. Developed in collaboration with a diverse group of nonprofit leaders, the revised code and its expanded resources reflect the evolving needs of the sector.
While the following is not quite yet ready for public consumption, we’re excited to share that these are the big changes you can expect to see soon:
Thank you to our friends at Strategy Solutions, Inc. for sponsoring the Standards for Excellence page.
PANO has an extensive library of educational resource packets for nonprofit organizations interested in implementing the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.
The resource packets include extensive information on implementing specific standards, background information about the standards, best practices associated with each standard, model procedures, and sample policies.
The Standards for Excellence educational resource packets were prepared by conducting an exhaustive review of literature on a particular topic, curating the most useful information, creating original materials (including model policies) where the available information is not sufficient, and packaging the materials in an easy-to-use format. The resources are updated regularly with new information and current practices.
These resource packets are free for PANO members and available at a low cost for not-yet-members. You can find the nearly 30 Standards for Excellence 2.0 packets here (there will soon be 49 packets available through Standards 3.0!).
become a memberNonprofits participate in the Standards for Excellence program to strengthen their organization and set it apart as a top performer in their field. Standards for Excellence demonstrates that an organization has accountability, transparency, and a commitment to best practices. Earning the “Seal of Excellence” includes an independent third-party expert review of the organization’s policies, procedures, and practices.
Requires strong policies in place for good governance and legal compliance, and calls for a well-defined mission with impactful programs.
Requires all the Basics requirements, plus the nonprofit must be inclusive of the community served, must hold strategic and effective board meetings, and must have programs that are attentive to strategic issues and trends in the community.
Requires all the Basics and Basics Enhanced requirements, plus the nonprofit must create long-range strategic and sustainability plans, build strong board performance, and outline steps to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion. Accreditation requires meeting all the benchmarks in the Standards for Excellence code.
Going through the process has many benefits for a nonprofit.
The nonprofit will:
The organization’s accreditation or recognition designations will automatically be noted in their Candid (formerly GuideStar) public profile and listed on the Standards of Excellence Institute website.
Standards for Excellence accreditation lets funders and donors know that the nonprofit’s precious resources are being stewarded wisely. The communities of Standards for Excellence accredited nonprofits can have confidence in the quality of their programs, their accountability and openness, and their commitment to best practices.
