Organizations in the non-profit sector may not necessarily consider themselves in a highly competitive field, but according to the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, any edge will help groups with gaining that all-important donor dollar.

Part of that edge is being able to prove integrity and ethics and being highly accountable for funds.

"The Oklahoma Standards for Excellence is a way to help nonprofits improve their accountability and ethics to the public," said Tod Bryant, director of Programs for the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

"It's an educational training course offered to nonprofits around the state that focuses on eight guiding principles and 55 standards that are presented as 'Best Practices' in being as ethical and accountable as possible.

This ethics and accountability program for nonprofits will begin a new round of training beginning in May in Oklahoma City. An intensive and interactive course, the training meets for a half-day once a month.

"Each of the four half-day sessions focuses on a subject area, like mission statements, programs, fundraising policies, etceteras," said Bryant. "A lot of the feedback we get from those who have gone through the course is that they enjoyed it and felt it was beneficial. Many knew they should have these standards in place, but they didn't have official written policy on them."

Benefits

So why go through four months of training? Bryant said the answer to that is a simple one.

"When you have the ethics and the excellence behind your practices, your donors feel more at ease with donating," he said.

Furthermore, the assurance that a nonprofit organization is operating in a highly ethical and accountable manner is priceless when luring new supporters, equaling increased credibility with funders.

"Organizations can also expect increased self confidence within the organization due to clarifications of policies and procedures," he added.

Clinic dates in Oklahoma City, all held from 8 a.m. to noon, are set for May 15 with "Missions & Program/Conflict of Interest Public Accountability," June 12 with "Governing Body," July 10 with "Human Resources Financial & Legal," Aug. 7 with "Fundraising Public Affairs & Public Policy."

Cost for the series is $450 for members and $800 for nonmembers.

For more information, visit oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org/standards or e-mail ssimmons@oklahomacenterfornonprofits.org.