Agencies will receive notification at least 18 months before their recognition period expires.

No. Agencies only complete the renewal requirements for their highest achieved Tier.

A new recognition period begins when a higher Tier is achieved, and the renewal requirement for the lower Tier is waived.

Tier Renewal is intended for agencies that continue to demonstrate alignment with the Standards of Excellence and Excellence. Agencies that are no longer meeting these requirements are not eligible for Tier Renewal. Organizations that have experienced significant changes or challenges are encouraged to contact the National Community Action Partnership to discuss available options and next steps.

Variations in performance are expected and do not automatically affect eligibility for renewal. The purpose of the renewal process is not to confirm perfect results or continually upward trending data, but to confirm that your agency continues to use effective systems to measure, manage, and improve performance over time.

If your results show significant changes or downward trends, provide context about the factors contributing to those results and describe the actions your agency is taking to address them. Reviewers will consider both your results and your organization’s response to emerging challenges.

A single audit finding will not automatically prevent an agency from renewing its Tier designation, provided the finding is not a significant concern, and the agency has taken appropriate corrective action.

However, multiple findings, repeat findings, or findings that indicate significant weaknesses in financial management, governance, compliance, or internal controls may affect eligibility for Tier Renewal. Agencies should be prepared to demonstrate how identified issues have been addressed and resolved.

Most agencies that complete the required renewal activities and continue to demonstrate alignment with Pathways to Excellence principles should be able to successfully renew their designation. However, an agency may not be eligible for renewal if:

• Required renewal materials are not submitted.
• Required renewal activities, such as the Organizational Profile update or Excellence Team eCourse completion, are not completed.
• The agency is unable to attest to continued alignment with the Standards of Excellence and Excellence & Ethics principles.
• Significant audit findings, repeat findings, or other material governance, compliance, or financial management concerns remain unresolved.
• Required performance information, including scorecard data or other required results, cannot be provided.
• Submitted documentation indicates substantial weaknesses in organizational performance, accountability, governance, or management systems that have not been adequately addressed.
• Information provided in the renewal submission is incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading.

When concerns are identified, agencies may be asked to provide additional information, context, or evidence of corrective action before a renewal determination is made.

No. Agencies may complete renewal at any time during their renewal window without affecting their current recognition period.

A renewed tier designation does not replace or shorten an agency’s existing recognition. Agencies that complete renewal before their expiration date will continue to hold their current designation through the end of the current recognition period.

Completing renewal early simply ensures that recognition can continue without interruption when the current designation expires. Agencies do not lose recognition time by completing renewal before their expiration date.