Seven Areas of Nonprofit Excellence

Key factors considered by the Awards Selection Committee in reviewing applications and selecting awardees are outlined in the Seven Areas of Nonprofit Excellence document. 

The 7 areas are:

• Overall management focus on results
• Governance structure that moves the organization forward
• Strong, transparent and accountable financial management
• Inclusive, diverse and responsive organizational practices
• Enlightened use of human resources and technology
• Regular and effective communications
• Effective, ethical fundraising and resource development

The strongest applications are expected to be from those organizations with excellent management practices in a  majority of these areas and where discussion and reflection have been invested by staff, board, volunteers and other stakeholders prior to completing the application. The Awards are designed to identify and promote excellent management practices that will provide useful examples of best practices for other nonprofits. We hope that the questions in The 2010 New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Awards application will stimulate that goal.