Community News

(Hilltown Twp., PA, June 25, 2015)  Pearl S. Buck International is a recipient of the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations’ Seal for Excellence for successfully completing their rigorous Standards for Excellence^® accreditation program. The organization voluntarily opened itself up to analysis by a “jury of its peers,” to attain the five-year recertification. Pearl S. Buck is the not only the sole Bucks County organization to participate in this process to date but also has received more commendations than any other participant to date.  The peer review team examines organizations for compliance with the Standards for Excellence^®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector, in areas including: Mission and Program, Governing Body, Conflict of Interest, Human Resources, Financial and Legal, Openness, Fundraising, Public Affairs and Public Policy.

PANO evaluates fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability, all of which are inherently important in the nonprofit world. ABC Nonprofit’s programs and services, management, fundraising and financial practices were subjected to in-depth examination prior to earning accreditation.

”We are honored to receive this recertification confirming that Pearl S. Buck upholds the highest ethical standards, maintaining accountability as we fulfill our mission,” says Pearl S. Buck International President and CEO Janet Mintzer,

"The Seal of Excellence is granted to well-managed, responsibly governed organizations that are deserving of the public’s trust," explains Tish Mogan, Standards for Excellence Director for PANO. “Pearl S. Buck International’s Board and staff have shown an extensive level of commitment to this process, and their pursuit of the Seal of Excellence confirms that they believe strongly in promoting a culture of ethics in their operations and governance." Anne Gingerich, PANO’s Executive Director, adds: “Pearl S. Buck International can focus even more fully on advancing their mission of uplifting the lives of children through international and domestic programs because the Standards set the conditions for their internal systems to run as efficiently and effectively as possible. The Seal of Excellence is truly one of the ways that organizations can better position themselves to reach their fullest potential.”

About Pearl S. Buck International

Pearl S. Buck International® provides opportunities to explore and appreciate other cultures, builds better lives for children around the globe and promotes the legacy of our founder by preserving and interpreting her National Historic Landmark home.

About Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations

PANO is a statewide membership organization amplifying the impact of the community benefit sector through advocacy, collaboration, learning, communication and support services.  PANO exists to support the incredible work of the nonprofit sector and highlight the critical role nonprofits serve. By coming together and recognizing our collective value, Pennsylvania communities and the power to do good will thrive. For more information on PANO and PANO’s Standards for Excellence® Program, visit www.pano.org.