OANO Announces Attorney General’s Office Support of Standards for Excellence

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Oct. 8, 2015 - PRLog -- The Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations (OANO) announced today that the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section has endorsed the Standards for Excellence, the nonprofit ethics and accountability code, training and accreditation provided by OANO.

"OANO’s Standards for Excellence program and the training segments that precede the certification award represent the very best practices and principles aimed at ensuring accountability in the operations of charitable organizations," said Peter M. Thomas, Chief of the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section.

The Standards for Excellence Program (SFX), offered exclusively by OANO, is based on fundamental values of responsibility, honesty, integrity, fairness, and trust. It encompasses over fifty guiding principles on ethical and accountable operations in program operations, governance, human resources, financial management and fundraising.

"With the Standards for Excellence, OANO goes further than simply asking a charity if they comply," explained OANO’s executive director, Marcy Williams. "The program includes intensive, practical training for nonprofits on implementing the principles in their specific organization."

Nonprofits can voluntarily seek Standards for Excellence accreditation at various levels, which requires a review of their policies, procedures and operations. The first tier of accreditation assures both the organization and its funders that the nonprofit is complying with basic legal and financial requirements and safeguards.

Terri-Lynne Smiles, Chair of OANO’s Board of Directors, praised the Attorney General’s endorsement. "We’re delighted with the endorsement of the Standards for Excellence program. The Attorney General’s office has consistently exhibited a committment to help nonprofits along legal and ethical paths, rather than rely solely on its enforcement powers when a nonprofit has, unfortunately, run amok. We have partnered with the AG’s offce on programs in the past and were happy that their office was able to attend our training sessions first-hand."

"Every Ohio charity could benefit from using these guidelines," added Peter M. Thomas. "We are pleased to endorse these standards and related training efforts."

The Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations is a statewide membership organization with a mission of providing leadership, education and advocacy to increase Ohio’s nonprofit sector’s ability to serve their communities. It is the only statewide membership organization reflecting the full diversity of Ohio’s nonprofit sector.

Contact:

Marcy Williams

Executive Director, Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations

mwilliams@oano.org

100 East Broad Street, STE 2440

Columbus, OH 43215