Search for Certified Nonprofits

According to a recent public opinion poll, 85% of Marylanders asserted that whether or not a charity has a seal of approval for ethical standards and accountability given by a reputable association is an important factor in making giving decisions.

Please click here to find a list of organizations that have earned the right to display the Seal of Excellence.

These nonprofit organizations have been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization's Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence certification program.  These nonprofits voluntarily opened themselves up to scrutiny by a "jury of its peers."  The peer review team examined these nonprofits for compliance with the Maryland Nonprofits Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector.

The Standards for Excellence are based on fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability.  These nonprofits' programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were examined in depth before the certification was awarded.

Only organizations which demonstrate they meet the Standards for Excellence are given permission to use the Seal of Excellence.

The Seal of Excellence is a symbol for trust.

Organizations which display the Seal go beyond simply obeying the law and government regulation - they demonstrate their willingness to earn the public's trust.

The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of excellence in nonprofit management.

Organizations with display the seal are guided by a well defined mission, have evaluation systems in place to measure the effectiveness of their programs, and adhere to sound financial management policies.

The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of excellence in leadership.

Organizations which display the seal are led by a volunteer board od directors that accepts responsibility to oversee the organization's mission, policies, programs, human and financial resources.

The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of openness and disclosure in nonprofits.

Organizations which display the seal have information available to the public, provide truthful responsible stewardship of all donations, and provide a voice for their constituents.