Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Alabama is a recipient of the Standards for Excellence Institute’s Seal of Excellence for successfully completing its rigorous accreditation program. Big Brothers Big Sisters voluntarily opened itself up to scrutiny by a “jury of its peers.”
The peer review team examined Big Brothers Big Sisters for compliance with the Standards for Excellence: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector, in areas including Mission, Strategy and Evaluation, Leadership: Board, Staff, and Volunteers, Legal Compliance and Ethics, Finance and Operations, Resource Development, Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy.
The Standards for Excellence Institute evaluates fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability, all of which are inherently important in the nonprofit world.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were subjected to in-depth examination prior to earning accreditation.
“Participating in the program and offering our program for this independent review shows our donors and stakeholders that we take accountability very seriously,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Valerie Shannon.
“It is important that we have the public’s trust. Standards for Excellences seal of approval, assures our stakeholders that we manage our programs and resources with exceptional standards, best practices, and act in an ethical and accountable fashion.”
The Standards for Excellence Institute is committed to raising the level of principled and responsible practices within the nonprofit sector.
The institute provides a model for organizations to implement in their operating plans so they can gain a deeper understanding of their effectiveness, improve their decision-making and minimize risks.
Nonprofits that adhere to the principles and practices of strong nonprofit management and governance can become formally accredited under the Standards for Excellence program.
“We are so excited to have our partner agency, Big Brothers Big Sisters, participate in the Standards of Excellence,” said United Way of Etowah County Executive Director Joanne Hightower.
“Thanks to the Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama for recognizing the importance of constant improvement.”
