The Accokeek Foundation Earns Seal of Excellence

Contact: Laura Ford
Phone: 301.283.2113 ext. 24
Email: development@accokeek.org

The Accokeek Foundation has been awarded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations' Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the Standards for Excellence certification program. A peer review team examined the Accokeek Foundation's programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices for compliance with the Maryland Nonprofits' Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. These standards evaluate a nonprofit's fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability.

The Standards for Excellence program began in 1998, and the Accokeek Foundation joins Hospice of Charles County as one of the two southern Maryland organizations to receive the seal. The Accokeek Foundation also joins a small group of certified organizations with an environmental focus, including the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, the Alliance of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Center for Watershed Protection.

James Potts, Board Chair of the Accokeek Foundation said, "The requirements for Standards for Excellence are rigorous. Everything from procurement policies, to Board procedures, to financial management was reviewed carefully. Our Board's Audit Committee had already initiated several changes to be sure we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley regulations."

Wilton Corkern, President of the Foundation, added, "The Standards for Excellence review led to even greater transparency and accountability in our operation. Our Board and staff worked hand-in-hand throughout this process. We are extremely proud to have been awarded this Certificate, because it means we are meeting the highest standards of public service and accountability."

According to Peter V. Berns, Executive Director of Maryland Nonprofits, "Organizations which are successful in the certification program should be commended for their commitment to excellence and integrity." Maryland Nonprofits encourages organizations to participate in the voluntary certification program because the Standards can help improve organizations. Berns added, "With every new organization that meets the Standards, we move one step closer to the day when the public will feel confident its nonprofit organizations are acting ethically and are accountable in their program operations, governance, human resources, financial management and fundraising practices."

The first effort of its kind in the nation, the Standards for Excellence program was developed by a team of volunteers from the state's nonprofit community. For more information about the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations' program and for a free copy of the Standards, please call the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations at 410-727-6367 or 800-273-6367. The Standards are also available at www.StandardsForExcellence.org.