NAB Recognises BNSC Accredited Organisations
The Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda [NAB] recognised the nonprofit and government organisations accredited under the Bermuda National Standards Committee [BNSC] framework.
A spokesperson said, “The Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda [NAB] proudly recognises the nonprofit and government organisations that are currently accredited and certified under the Bermuda National Standards Committee [BNSC] framework. The BNSC provides certification and accreditation based on the Bermuda National Standards of Excellence, through a partnership with the US Council on Accreditation and the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda, to assess and designate internationally validated standards of excellence. This designation highlights an organisation’s commitment to quality, transparency and operational excellence in Bermuda’s social and human services sectors.
“Founded in 2005, BNSC began as a collaborative effort among the government, nonprofits, donors and community members dedicated to upholding internationally recognised standards. In April 2025, the management of the BNSC certification and accreditation process transitioned to NAB. As a part of NAB’s roll-out of services, it is highlighting organisations with an existing BNSC designation.
“Accredited Organisations: The following organisations are currently BNSC-Accredited, demonstrating alignment with quality standards through a rigorous assessment of their operational, governance and programmatic procedures: Bermuda Diabetes Association, Centre Against Abuse, Child Development Programme, Coalition for the Protection of Children, EAP of Bermuda, Family Centre, Friends of Hospice, P.A.L.S. Bermuda, Packwood Home, The Office of Youth Affairs, and Westmeath, as well as the Department of Child and Family Services’ Counselling & Life Skills Department, Family Preservation Department, Foster Care Department, Happy Valley Child Care Centre, and The Mirrors Programme.
“Certified Organisations: The following organisations are currently BNSC-certified, demonstrating full alignment with BNSC’s quality standards through a rigorous assessment of their operational and governance procedures: Age Concern, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, Bermuda Sports Anti-Doping Authority, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI], Raleigh International, Saving Children and Revealing Secrets [SCARS], The Duke of Edinburgh Award and Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda. These organisations do not have their programmes and services assessed, just their operational and governance functions.”
Nonprofit Alliance Executive Director Dr Nicola Paugh stated, “These achievements demonstrate that high standards of governance, programming and service delivery are being met by many of Bermuda’s nonprofits. We believe it is important to highlight designated organisations, to promote their leadership and commitment to excellence. We encourage others in the nonprofit sector to consider a designation.”
The spokesperson said, “Having a designation is not only about demonstrating high standards and best practices, but it also a valuable tool for the donor community to consider when making funding decisions.”
CEO and Managing Director of the Bermuda Community Foundation Dr. Myra Virgil stated, “At the Bermuda Foundation, we view the BNSC designation as an essential marker of operational strength and public accountability. It’s a signal to donors that an organisation is invested in doing things better and right. We actively incorporate certification and accreditation into our grant making frameworks—not as a barrier, but in an effort to ensure our support is both responsible and catalytic. We’re thrilled to see the momentum behind the BNSC designations and that nonprofits will be recognised for their commitment to quality improvement.”
Director of Philanthropy at the Centennial Bermuda Foundation Vivien Carter added, “Of the 20 BNSC-certified organisations we fund, over half have received multi-year grants— proof of our confidence in their sustainability and programme quality. In our 2024 grantee cohort, 30% are BNSC credentialed, and most of them have shown strong outcomes, steady leadership, and solid internal systems. These are key factors in our decision to award longer- term funding partnerships.”
The spokesperson said, “For more information about the BNSC accreditation or certification process, interested organisations can visit BNSC Certification and Accreditation. Organisations can also express interest in the designation process online at Expression of Interest. Donors or corporate giving committees can also view our Accreditation and Certification Toolkit for guidance on how to best use the designation in funding decisions.”
