A nonprofit is founded for public benefit and operates to accomplish a well-defined, articulated mission. Its programs effectively and efficiently work toward achieving that mission and it is committed to continuous quality improvement. Based on the values of quality, responsibility, and accountability, nonprofit board members, volunteers, and employees act in the best interest of achieving the organization's mission at all times.

A. Mission

1. A nonprofit's purpose -- the answer to the question, "Why?" as defined and approved by the board of directors -- should be formally stated in writing. The organization's activities should be consistent with its stated purpose.
2. A nonprofit should, at least biennially, revisit its mission to determine if the need for its services continues to exist. The organization should evaluate whether the mission needs to be modified to reflect societal changes; whether the organization's current programs should be revised or discontinued in light of the existing or newly defined mission; or whether new services need to be developed.
3. A nonprofit should have defined, replicable procedures in place for evaluating (both qualitatively and quantitatively) its processes and outcomes in relation to its mission. These procedures should address the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of processes and outcomes.

B. Program Service and Quality

1. A nonprofit should act with the utmost professionalism and treat all persons equally and with respect.
2. A nonprofit should regularly monitor the satisfaction of service participants as well as other parts of the organization's constituencies and provide a grievance procedure to address complaints.
3. A nonprofit should practice continuous quality improvement that includes evaluation and tracking of information.

C. Values

1. A nonprofit should act with integrity, openness, and honesty in all relationships, dealings, and transactions. A nonprofit should strive to earn and convey trust through integrity, openness, and honesty.
2. A nonprofit should keep faith with the public trust through efficient, cost-effective, and compassionate stewardship of resources. A nonprofit should be mindful that its mission is accomplished through the generosity of others.
3. A nonprofit should ensure that policies and procedures of human relations are legally grounded, of high quality, and respectful of the dignity and rights of individuals.

D. Commitment to Diversity, Accessibility, and Social Justice

1. A nonprofit should respect all people's race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and ability and should not allow differences to affect a person's opportunities.
2. A nonprofit's board, staff, volunteers, and contractors should reflect the diversity of the organization's constituencies and the broader community.
3. A nonprofit should conduct its work in facilities that allow reasonable access to persons of all ability levels.
4. A nonprofit should act in ways that further the equality of opportunity among individuals and communities.
5. A nonprofit should act in ways that promote a sustainable environment.
   

Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence

The Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence are based on the fundamental values of quality, responsibility and accountability. The ten characteristic accountability principles distinguish the nonprofit sector from government and business. The 133 management practices provide specific guidelines for individual organizations to evaluate and improve their management

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