Standards for Excellence: Strategic Partnerships

Posted by PA Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) on October 28, 2025

Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations help the public and are essential to our society. They help improve communities around the country and make our lives better in art, science, economics, health, culture, human services, civil rights, religion, the environment, education, and many other fields.

Public support and confidence are essential to the success of nonprofit organizations. People, businesses, foundations, and government at all levels support nonprofits by giving resources, time, and money. The code has six Guiding Principles and 26 areas for ethical, responsible, and effective organizations. It is based on the legal foundations of how nonprofit organizations are run and governed. The code emphasizes values such as honesty, integrity, equity, fairness, respect, trust, compassion, responsibility, and transparency. The Institute and PANO encourage all nonprofit organizations to follow the code and work to be excellent in their management, governance, and operations.

The code is designed for 501(c)(3) organizations and is also applicable to 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations. These organizations rely on public support and value transparency. The current code includes some limitations on lobbying and political activity for 501(c)(3)s that do not apply to 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) organizations.

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