Statement on Best Practices
When we meet at The Center, we can become the best versions of ourselves. To accomplish that, we must help identify and pursue best practices and operational excellence in all of our nonprofit endeavors, regardless of our size or situation. Start where you are now…
As an organization that promotes and equips operational excellence for nonprofit organizations, The Capin Center for Nonprofit Excellence (The Center) partners with high-performing nonprofits, actively engaged funders/donors, and best-in-class professional experts who serve the nonprofit world. Together, we develop and promote operational best practices for nonprofits, monitor and report on operational effectiveness and program outcomes, and agree to evaluation standards that yield organizational performance ratings. This collaboration between nonprofits, funders, and experts results in greater competence for nonprofits, more confidence for funders, and more mission accomplished.
To assist nonprofits in their pursuit of operational excellence, standing committees comprised of best-in-class nonprofits and experts (and funders where appropriate) collaborate in the development and maintenance of best practice standards in the following six sections of nonprofit operations:
- Program Management & Accountability
- Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
- Governance, Legal & Risk Management
- Accounting & Financial
- People & Organizational Development
- Business Systems, IT & Facilities
1. Program Management & Accountability
- Accountability & Transparency
- Integrated Strategic Planning
- Measures & Metrics
- Mission-Driven Strategic Goals
- Processes & Procedures
- Program & Service Development
2. Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
- Communications & Technology
- Donor Growth & Engagement Strategies
- Integrated Strategic Marketing & Branding
- Marketing & Fundraising Ethics
- Measurable Objectives & Outcomes
- Regulatory Compliance
3. Governance, Legal & Risk Management
- Appropriate Organization & Governance Structure
- Integrated Organization-Wide Risk Management Program
- Legal Compliance & Program Integration
- Policies & Procedures
- Right-Sized, Right-Skilled Board & Leadership
4. Finance & Accounting
- Business Process & Reporting Systems
- Cash & Investment Management
- Core Programs Support
- Financial Policies & Procedures
- Internal & External Audit
- Regulatory Compliance
- Roles & Responsibilities
5. People & Organizational Development
- Comprehensive Policies, Procedures & Employee Handbook
- Recruiting, Onboarding & Training
- Performance Reviews & Rewards, Compensation & Succession
- Diversity, Inclusion & Organizational Culture-Setting
- Training and Personal Development
6. Business Systems, IT & Facilities
- Cybersecurity Management
- Disaster Preparedness Plan
- Facilities Management
- Information Technology (IT)
- Mission-Driven Business Systems