ARC OF MARYLAND

The Arc of Maryland is changing minds and changing lives for individuals and families living with developmental disability. The Arc Maryland began in 1950 as a small group of concerned parents. Today we are the largest statewide advocacy organization assisting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. We number nearly 7, 000 members throughout Maryland including people with intellectual disabilities, parents and other family members, educators and professionals working in the field and interested persons from the general public. We are an innovative and flexible organization which seeks to incorporate and support self advocates within the leadership of the organization. We have 10 Local Chapters that provide an array of direct services for people of all ages and their families, with a state office in Annapolis.

The Arc Maryland is proud to display this Seal of Excellence awarded by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. Certification in the Standards for Excellence program is bestowed only to nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated compliance with 55 specific Standards for Excellence based on honestly, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility and accountability. The standards go beyond the minimum legal requirements by outlining how well-managed and responsibly-governed nonprofits should operate in eight areas of nonprofit operations: Mission and Program; Governing Board; Conflict of Interest; Human Resources; Financial and Legal Accountability; Openness and Disclosure; Fundraising; Public Policy and Public Affairs. The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of trust. Organizations that display the seal not only obey the law, but go beyond the minimum requirements set forth by government regulation. The Seal of Excellence is a symbol for excellence in nonprofit management. Organizations that display the seal are guided by a well defined mission, have evaluation systems in place to measure the effectiveness of their programs, and adhere to sound financial management policies. The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of excellence in leadership. Organizations that display the seal are led by a volunteer board of directors that accepts responsibility to oversee the organization's mission, policies, programs, human and financial resources. The Seal of Excellence is a symbol of openness and disclosure in nonprofits. Organizations that display the seal have information available to the public, provide truthful responsible stewardship of all donations, and provide a voice for their constituents. The Arc Maryland has met, complied with, and integrated the Standards for Excellence into all its activities to successfully complete this voluntary certification program.