ESLC earns Standards of Excellence re-certification from Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organziations
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC), a private, nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of farmland and habitat on the Eastern Shore recently received re-certification for the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ (MANO) Standards for Excellence program. ESLC was the first conservation or environmental organization in the country to be certified in this program, which began in 1998, and the first nonprofit on Delmarva.
Each award recipient is required to reapply at least every five years to maintain current certification and to verify that they are adhering to the guidelines of the program. ESLC originally received certification in 2000, a recertification in 2003 and notice of its most recent accomplishment in November.
“We work very hard to maintain the highest level of excellence as a nonprofit and getting this re-certification is a great validation of that effort,” said Nina White, ESLC’s Director of Administration and coordinator for ESLC’s application. “The rigorous application process provides an important learning process for our organization as we continue to improve our operations and work toward our own organizational mission.”
According to MANO, the Standards for Excellence program is designed to promote excellence and integrity in Maryland’s nonprofit organizations. In an effort to improve the work of nonprofits, the program provides an array of services to help organizations implement the standards. As part of the certification program, organizations submit to a voluntary, rigorous review of each part of their program’s operations.
“Striving for excellence in ethics and accountability is an essential building block toward the mission of protecting our Eastern Shore’s land and waters,” said Rob Etgen, ESLC’s Executive Director. “We are so pleased to receive this re-certification and commend the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations for setting the gold standard on nonprofit excellence.”
The Standards of Excellence certification is based on 55 criteria, including values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability. An organization’s programs, services, management, fundraising and financial practices are examined in depth before certification is awarded. For more information on MANO’s Standards for Excellence program please visit www.mdnonprofits.org.