In a market where donors can make choices, how do you know they will choose you? Now more than ever, donors look for accredited organizations as a sign of quality before choosing a nonprofit organization to fund or donate to. Accreditation is evidence to donors that an organization is committed to encouraging feedback, continuously improving services, and serving the community.

For a nonprofit organization, accreditation demonstrates its commitment to enhance performance, manage risk, and distinguish itself from competing organizations.

When you decide to become accredited, choosing the right accrediting body is essential. You need an accrediting body that's the best fit for your organization; an accrediting body that will not only accredit your services, but will also add real value to your organization.

You need NNPAC. NNPAC is the leading, independent, nonprofit accrediting body of nonprofit organizations. With guidance from the field, including nonprofit professionals, funders, and, most important, the people receiving services and their families, we develop standards that are focused on outcomes and the satisfaction of the people served.

Perhaps you're wondering, "Is NNPAC accreditation worth the effort?" The answer is yes. True, it's not as simple as paying fees and receiving a certificate. NNPAC applies a rigorous set of internationally recognized organization and program standards during an interview and required documentation. We are not, however, a policing commission. We work with you to help you meet the standards. The NNPAC accreditation process is distinguished by our approach that is consultive rather than inspective. Accountability and quality are the objectives, yet our approach allows your organization to incorporate the standards into practices to reflect your unique mission, vision, and identity as a nonprofit organization.

NNPAC provides evidence that your organization strives to improve efficiency, fiscal health, and service delivery -- creating a foundation for continuous quality improvement and consumer satisfaction. Donors are likely to see nonprofit organizations accredited through NNPAC as a better risk. Ultimately, our greatest value is assuring the people you serve, and their families, that your services are focused on their unique needs.

Just as other professions use accreditation and licensing systems to improve the well-being of their industries, professionals in the field of nonprofit organizations have a distinction of their own through NNPAC.

Quality Assurance

• Prospective donors are more willing to establish relationships with organizations that have attained this respected bench-mark. Likewise, staff and volunteers can take pride in knowing that they represent a center that meets the national standards.
• Accreditation provides an advantage when raising funds — especially when approaching funding and state organizations that require proof that a center meets industry standards before distributing funds.

Recognition

• NNPAC approved organizations are listed in all published listings. This includes the NNPAC Membership Directory, state lists that are mailed to hundreds of prospective donors as well as the NNPAC website that is accessible to millions of people daily.

Promotion

• Only NNPAC approved organizations have the right to use the NNPAC logo on printed materials.
• NNPAC approved organizations receive template press releases to customize and send to local media.

Application Fees

Accreditation Fees

The NNPAC Seal will be awarded for three years based on licensing guidelines governing the Seal. In addition certified organizations will pay a licensing fee during the second and third year of the licensing period. Organizations will reapply to be recertified after the initial three years and thereafter every five years.