Nonprofit Organizational Assessment

1. Welcome!

This free assessment tool can be used to get a reasonable impression of the quality of the most important practices in your nonprofit.

NOTE: If you want more than one person to do the survey, then use this hardcopy version. If you want to evaluate only the Board, then use this hardcopy Board version.

You could use results of this assessment tool to: 1) ensure a strong foundation from which to add a program or undertake a major change effort; 2) do an internal analysis as part of an overall strategic planning activity; 3) develop a common understanding among leaders regarding what needs to be done in your nonprofit; and 4) assess how your nonprofit compares to what many nonprofit experts suggest as standards for nonprofits.

The assessment tool is divided into different categories of specific performance indicators, including: legal, governance, human resources, strategic planning, program planning, evaluations, finances and fundraising. Each indicator is marked as Essential (“E”), Recommended (“R”), or Additional (“A”) practices for the typical nonprofit.

Next to each specific indicator are choices, including “Met,” “Needs Work,” “Not Applicable,” and “Don’t Know.” After reading each indicator, place a check mark under the appropriate choice as to how your nonprofit performs to that indicator.

After you complete the tool, you can analyze the results by noticing which areas need work, especially those marked "E".

This on-line assessment tool is provided by Authenticity Consulting, LLC (www.authenticityconsulting.com) and is used with permission from the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

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* 1. Please identify yourself. (Your information will NOT be shared with anyone.)

Name of your nonprofit organization:

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* 2. LEGAL -- The following indicators are in regard to legal considerations typically addressed in nonprofits.

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* 3. GOVERANCE (BOARD) -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring a high-quality Board of Directors.

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* 4. HUMAN RESOURCES (STAFFING) -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality staffing and supervision.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. The organization has a written personnel handbook/policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and approved by Board: a) to describe the recruitment, hiring, termination and standard work rules for all staff and b) to maintain compliance with government employment laws and regulations. (E)	a. The organization has a written personnel handbook/policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and approved by Board: a) to describe the recruitment, hiring, termination and standard work rules for all staff and b) to maintain compliance with government employment laws and regulations. (E) Met	a. The organization has a written personnel handbook/policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and approved by Board: a) to describe the recruitment, hiring, termination and standard work rules for all staff and b) to maintain compliance with government employment laws and regulations. (E) Needs Work	a. The organization has a written personnel handbook/policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and approved by Board: a) to describe the recruitment, hiring, termination and standard work rules for all staff and b) to maintain compliance with government employment laws and regulations. (E) Not Applicable	a. The organization has a written personnel handbook/policy that is regularly reviewed, updated and approved by Board: a) to describe the recruitment, hiring, termination and standard work rules for all staff and b) to maintain compliance with government employment laws and regulations. (E) Don't Know
b. The organization follows nondiscriminatory hiring practices. (R)	b. The organization follows nondiscriminatory hiring practices. (R) Met	b. The organization follows nondiscriminatory hiring practices. (R) Needs Work	b. The organization follows nondiscriminatory hiring practices. (R) Not Applicable	b. The organization follows nondiscriminatory hiring practices. (R) Don't Know
c. The organization provides a copy of or access to the written personnel policy to all members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and all staff members. All staff members acknowledge in writing that they have read and have access to the personnel handbook/policies. (R)	c. The organization provides a copy of or access to the written personnel policy to all members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and all staff members. All staff members acknowledge in writing that they have read and have access to the personnel handbook/policies. (R) Met	c. The organization provides a copy of or access to the written personnel policy to all members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and all staff members. All staff members acknowledge in writing that they have read and have access to the personnel handbook/policies. (R) Needs Work	c. The organization provides a copy of or access to the written personnel policy to all members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and all staff members. All staff members acknowledge in writing that they have read and have access to the personnel handbook/policies. (R) Not Applicable	c. The organization provides a copy of or access to the written personnel policy to all members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and all staff members. All staff members acknowledge in writing that they have read and have access to the personnel handbook/policies. (R) Don't Know
d. The organization has job descriptions including qualifications, duties, reporting relationships and key indicators. (R)	d. The organization has job descriptions including qualifications, duties, reporting relationships and key indicators. (R) Met	d. The organization has job descriptions including qualifications, duties, reporting relationships and key indicators. (R) Needs Work	d. The organization has job descriptions including qualifications, duties, reporting relationships and key indicators. (R) Not Applicable	d. The organization has job descriptions including qualifications, duties, reporting relationships and key indicators. (R) Don't Know
e. The organization's Board of Directors conducts an annual review/evaluation of its Chief Executive Officer in relationship to a previously determined set of expectations. (R)	e. The organization's Board of Directors conducts an annual review/evaluation of its Chief Executive Officer in relationship to a previously determined set of expectations. (R) Met	e. The organization's Board of Directors conducts an annual review/evaluation of its Chief Executive Officer in relationship to a previously determined set of expectations. (R) Needs Work	e. The organization's Board of Directors conducts an annual review/evaluation of its Chief Executive Officer in relationship to a previously determined set of expectations. (R) Not Applicable	e. The organization's Board of Directors conducts an annual review/evaluation of its Chief Executive Officer in relationship to a previously determined set of expectations. (R) Don't Know
f. The Chief Executive Officer's salary is set by the Board of Directors in a reasonable process and is in compliance with the organization's compensation plan. (R)	f. The Chief Executive Officer's salary is set by the Board of Directors in a reasonable process and is in compliance with the organization's compensation plan. (R) Met	f. The Chief Executive Officer's salary is set by the Board of Directors in a reasonable process and is in compliance with the organization's compensation plan. (R) Needs Work	f. The Chief Executive Officer's salary is set by the Board of Directors in a reasonable process and is in compliance with the organization's compensation plan. (R) Not Applicable	f. The Chief Executive Officer's salary is set by the Board of Directors in a reasonable process and is in compliance with the organization's compensation plan. (R) Don't Know
g. The organization requires employee performance appraisals to be conducted and documented at least annually. (R)	g. The organization requires employee performance appraisals to be conducted and documented at least annually. (R) Met	g. The organization requires employee performance appraisals to be conducted and documented at least annually. (R) Needs Work	g. The organization requires employee performance appraisals to be conducted and documented at least annually. (R) Not Applicable	g. The organization requires employee performance appraisals to be conducted and documented at least annually. (R) Don't Know
h. The organization has a compensation plan and a periodic review of salary ranges and benefits is conducted. (A)	h. The organization has a compensation plan and a periodic review of salary ranges and benefits is conducted. (A) Met	h. The organization has a compensation plan and a periodic review of salary ranges and benefits is conducted. (A) Needs Work	h. The organization has a compensation plan and a periodic review of salary ranges and benefits is conducted. (A) Not Applicable	h. The organization has a compensation plan and a periodic review of salary ranges and benefits is conducted. (A) Don't Know
i. The organization has a timely process for filling vacant positions to prevent an interruption of program services or disruption to organization operations. (A)	i. The organization has a timely process for filling vacant positions to prevent an interruption of program services or disruption to organization operations. (A) Met	i. The organization has a timely process for filling vacant positions to prevent an interruption of program services or disruption to organization operations. (A) Needs Work	i. The organization has a timely process for filling vacant positions to prevent an interruption of program services or disruption to organization operations. (A) Not Applicable	i. The organization has a timely process for filling vacant positions to prevent an interruption of program services or disruption to organization operations. (A) Don't Know
j. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from all staff members. (A)	j. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from all staff members. (A) Met	j. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from all staff members. (A) Needs Work	j. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from all staff members. (A) Not Applicable	j. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from all staff members. (A) Don't Know
k. The organization provides opportunities for employees' professional development and training with their job skill area and also in such areas as cultural sensitivity and personal development. (A)	k. The organization provides opportunities for employees' professional development and training with their job skill area and also in such areas as cultural sensitivity and personal development. (A) Met	k. The organization provides opportunities for employees' professional development and training with their job skill area and also in such areas as cultural sensitivity and personal development. (A) Needs Work	k. The organization provides opportunities for employees' professional development and training with their job skill area and also in such areas as cultural sensitivity and personal development. (A) Not Applicable	k. The organization provides opportunities for employees' professional development and training with their job skill area and also in such areas as cultural sensitivity and personal development. (A) Don't Know
l. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting staff time in program allocations. (A)	l. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting staff time in program allocations. (A) Met	l. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting staff time in program allocations. (A) Needs Work	l. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting staff time in program allocations. (A) Not Applicable	l. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting staff time in program allocations. (A) Don't Know

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* 5. HUMAN RESOURCES (VOLUNTEERS) -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality volunteer recruitment and management.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. The organization has a clearly defined purpose of the role that volunteers have within the organization. (E)	a. The organization has a clearly defined purpose of the role that volunteers have within the organization. (E) Met	a. The organization has a clearly defined purpose of the role that volunteers have within the organization. (E) Needs Work	a. The organization has a clearly defined purpose of the role that volunteers have within the organization. (E) Not Applicable	a. The organization has a clearly defined purpose of the role that volunteers have within the organization. (E) Don't Know
b. Job descriptions exist for all volunteer positions in the organization. (E)	b. Job descriptions exist for all volunteer positions in the organization. (E) Met	b. Job descriptions exist for all volunteer positions in the organization. (E) Needs Work	b. Job descriptions exist for all volunteer positions in the organization. (E) Not Applicable	b. Job descriptions exist for all volunteer positions in the organization. (E) Don't Know
c. The organization has a well-defined and communicated volunteer management plan that includes a recruitment policy, description of all volunteer jobs, an application and interview process, possible stipend and reimbursement policies, statement of which staff has supervisory responsibilities over what volunteers, and any other volunteer personnel policy information. (R)	c. The organization has a well-defined and communicated volunteer management plan that includes a recruitment policy, description of all volunteer jobs, an application and interview process, possible stipend and reimbursement policies, statement of which staff has supervisory responsibilities over what volunteers, and any other volunteer personnel policy information. (R) Met	c. The organization has a well-defined and communicated volunteer management plan that includes a recruitment policy, description of all volunteer jobs, an application and interview process, possible stipend and reimbursement policies, statement of which staff has supervisory responsibilities over what volunteers, and any other volunteer personnel policy information. (R) Needs Work	c. The organization has a well-defined and communicated volunteer management plan that includes a recruitment policy, description of all volunteer jobs, an application and interview process, possible stipend and reimbursement policies, statement of which staff has supervisory responsibilities over what volunteers, and any other volunteer personnel policy information. (R) Not Applicable	c. The organization has a well-defined and communicated volunteer management plan that includes a recruitment policy, description of all volunteer jobs, an application and interview process, possible stipend and reimbursement policies, statement of which staff has supervisory responsibilities over what volunteers, and any other volunteer personnel policy information. (R) Don't Know
d. The organization follows a recruitment policy that does not discriminate, but respects, encourages and represents the diversity of the community. (E)	d. The organization follows a recruitment policy that does not discriminate, but respects, encourages and represents the diversity of the community. (E) Met	d. The organization follows a recruitment policy that does not discriminate, but respects, encourages and represents the diversity of the community. (E) Needs Work	d. The organization follows a recruitment policy that does not discriminate, but respects, encourages and represents the diversity of the community. (E) Not Applicable	d. The organization follows a recruitment policy that does not discriminate, but respects, encourages and represents the diversity of the community. (E) Don't Know
e. The organization provides appropriate training and orientation to the agency to assist the volunteer in the performance of their volunteer activities. Volunteers are offered training with staff in such areas as cultural sensitivity. (E)	e. The organization provides appropriate training and orientation to the agency to assist the volunteer in the performance of their volunteer activities. Volunteers are offered training with staff in such areas as cultural sensitivity. (E) Met	e. The organization provides appropriate training and orientation to the agency to assist the volunteer in the performance of their volunteer activities. Volunteers are offered training with staff in such areas as cultural sensitivity. (E) Needs Work	e. The organization provides appropriate training and orientation to the agency to assist the volunteer in the performance of their volunteer activities. Volunteers are offered training with staff in such areas as cultural sensitivity. (E) Not Applicable	e. The organization provides appropriate training and orientation to the agency to assist the volunteer in the performance of their volunteer activities. Volunteers are offered training with staff in such areas as cultural sensitivity. (E) Don't Know
f. The organization is respectful of the volunteer's abilities and time commitment and has various job duties to meet these needs. Jobs should not be given to volunteers simply because the jobs are considered inferior for paid staff. (R)	f. The organization is respectful of the volunteer's abilities and time commitment and has various job duties to meet these needs. Jobs should not be given to volunteers simply because the jobs are considered inferior for paid staff. (R) Met	f. The organization is respectful of the volunteer's abilities and time commitment and has various job duties to meet these needs. Jobs should not be given to volunteers simply because the jobs are considered inferior for paid staff. (R) Needs Work	f. The organization is respectful of the volunteer's abilities and time commitment and has various job duties to meet these needs. Jobs should not be given to volunteers simply because the jobs are considered inferior for paid staff. (R) Not Applicable	f. The organization is respectful of the volunteer's abilities and time commitment and has various job duties to meet these needs. Jobs should not be given to volunteers simply because the jobs are considered inferior for paid staff. (R) Don't Know
g. The organization does volunteer performance appraisals periodically and communicates to the volunteers how well they are doing, or where additional attention is needed. At the same time, volunteers are requested to review and evaluate their involvement in the organization and the people they work with and suggest areas for improvement. (R)	g. The organization does volunteer performance appraisals periodically and communicates to the volunteers how well they are doing, or where additional attention is needed. At the same time, volunteers are requested to review and evaluate their involvement in the organization and the people they work with and suggest areas for improvement. (R) Met	g. The organization does volunteer performance appraisals periodically and communicates to the volunteers how well they are doing, or where additional attention is needed. At the same time, volunteers are requested to review and evaluate their involvement in the organization and the people they work with and suggest areas for improvement. (R) Needs Work	g. The organization does volunteer performance appraisals periodically and communicates to the volunteers how well they are doing, or where additional attention is needed. At the same time, volunteers are requested to review and evaluate their involvement in the organization and the people they work with and suggest areas for improvement. (R) Not Applicable	g. The organization does volunteer performance appraisals periodically and communicates to the volunteers how well they are doing, or where additional attention is needed. At the same time, volunteers are requested to review and evaluate their involvement in the organization and the people they work with and suggest areas for improvement. (R) Don't Know
h. The organization does some type of volunteer recognition or commendation periodically and staff continuously demonstrates their appreciation towards the volunteers and their efforts. (R)	h. The organization does some type of volunteer recognition or commendation periodically and staff continuously demonstrates their appreciation towards the volunteers and their efforts. (R) Met	h. The organization does some type of volunteer recognition or commendation periodically and staff continuously demonstrates their appreciation towards the volunteers and their efforts. (R) Needs Work	h. The organization does some type of volunteer recognition or commendation periodically and staff continuously demonstrates their appreciation towards the volunteers and their efforts. (R) Not Applicable	h. The organization does some type of volunteer recognition or commendation periodically and staff continuously demonstrates their appreciation towards the volunteers and their efforts. (R) Don't Know
i. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from volunteers. (A)	i. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from volunteers. (A) Met	i. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from volunteers. (A) Needs Work	i. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from volunteers. (A) Not Applicable	i. The organization has a process for reviewing and responding to ideas, suggestions, comments and perceptions from volunteers. (A) Don't Know
j. The organization provides opportunities for program participants to volunteer. (A)	j. The organization provides opportunities for program participants to volunteer. (A) Met	j. The organization provides opportunities for program participants to volunteer. (A) Needs Work	j. The organization provides opportunities for program participants to volunteer. (A) Not Applicable	j. The organization provides opportunities for program participants to volunteer. (A) Don't Know
k. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting volunteer time in program allocations. Financial records can be maintained for the volunteer time spent on programs and recorded as in-kind contributions. (A)	k. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting volunteer time in program allocations. Financial records can be maintained for the volunteer time spent on programs and recorded as in-kind contributions. (A) Met	k. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting volunteer time in program allocations. Financial records can be maintained for the volunteer time spent on programs and recorded as in-kind contributions. (A) Needs Work	k. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting volunteer time in program allocations. Financial records can be maintained for the volunteer time spent on programs and recorded as in-kind contributions. (A) Not Applicable	k. The organization maintains contemporaneous records documenting volunteer time in program allocations. Financial records can be maintained for the volunteer time spent on programs and recorded as in-kind contributions. (A) Don't Know

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* 6. STRATEGIC PLANNING -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring progress toward a clear focus and direction for the organization.

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* 7. PROGRAM PLANNING -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality services and programs.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. Programs are congruent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. (E)	a. Programs are congruent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. (E) Met	a. Programs are congruent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. (E) Needs Work	a. Programs are congruent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. (E) Not Applicable	a. Programs are congruent with the agency's mission and strategic plan. (E) Don't Know
b. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services. (A)	b. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services. (A) Met	b. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services. (A) Needs Work	b. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services. (A) Not Applicable	b. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services. (A) Don't Know
c. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development. (A)	c. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development. (A) Met	c. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development. (A) Needs Work	c. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development. (A) Not Applicable	c. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development. (A) Don't Know
d. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives. (R)	d. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives. (R) Met	d. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives. (R) Needs Work	d. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives. (R) Not Applicable	d. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives. (R) Don't Know
e. Staff has sufficient training and skill levels to produce the program. (R)	e. Staff has sufficient training and skill levels to produce the program. (R) Met	e. Staff has sufficient training and skill levels to produce the program. (R) Needs Work	e. Staff has sufficient training and skill levels to produce the program. (R) Not Applicable	e. Staff has sufficient training and skill levels to produce the program. (R) Don't Know
f. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients. (A)	f. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients. (A) Met	f. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients. (A) Needs Work	f. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients. (A) Not Applicable	f. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients. (A) Don't Know
g. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives. (R)	g. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives. (R) Met	g. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives. (R) Needs Work	g. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives. (R) Not Applicable	g. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives. (R) Don't Know
h. Performance indicators are reviewed annually. (R)	h. Performance indicators are reviewed annually. (R) Met	h. Performance indicators are reviewed annually. (R) Needs Work	h. Performance indicators are reviewed annually. (R) Not Applicable	h. Performance indicators are reviewed annually. (R) Don't Know
i. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients. (A)	i. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients. (A) Met	i. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients. (A) Needs Work	i. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients. (A) Not Applicable	i. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients. (A) Don't Know

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* 8. ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROGRAM EVALUATIONS -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring progress toward goals and high-quality program results.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment. (R)	a. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment. (R) Met	a. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment. (R) Needs Work	a. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment. (R) Not Applicable	a. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment. (R) Don't Know
b. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. (A)	b. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. (A) Met	b. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. (A) Needs Work	b. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. (A) Not Applicable	b. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process. (A) Don't Know
c. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization's mission, values and goals. (R)	c. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization's mission, values and goals. (R) Met	c. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization's mission, values and goals. (R) Needs Work	c. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization's mission, values and goals. (R) Not Applicable	c. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization's mission, values and goals. (R) Don't Know
d. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised strategic and/or program plan. (R)	d. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised strategic and/or program plan. (R) Met	d. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised strategic and/or program plan. (R) Needs Work	d. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised strategic and/or program plan. (R) Not Applicable	d. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised strategic and/or program plan. (R) Don't Know
e. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes (impacts on clients). (A)	e. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes (impacts on clients). (A) Met	e. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes (impacts on clients). (A) Needs Work	e. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes (impacts on clients). (A) Not Applicable	e. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes (impacts on clients). (A) Don't Know

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* 9. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality financial transactions, analysis and management.

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* 10. GENERAL FUNDRAISING -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality fundraising planning and activities.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. Funds are raised in an ethical manner for activities consistent with the organization's mission and plan. (E)	a. Funds are raised in an ethical manner for activities consistent with the organization's mission and plan. (E) Met	a. Funds are raised in an ethical manner for activities consistent with the organization's mission and plan. (E) Needs Work	a. Funds are raised in an ethical manner for activities consistent with the organization's mission and plan. (E) Not Applicable	a. Funds are raised in an ethical manner for activities consistent with the organization's mission and plan. (E) Don't Know
b. The Board of Directors and organization staff are knowledgeable about the fundraising process and the roles in the organization. (E)	b. The Board of Directors and organization staff are knowledgeable about the fundraising process and the roles in the organization. (E) Met	b. The Board of Directors and organization staff are knowledgeable about the fundraising process and the roles in the organization. (E) Needs Work	b. The Board of Directors and organization staff are knowledgeable about the fundraising process and the roles in the organization. (E) Not Applicable	b. The Board of Directors and organization staff are knowledgeable about the fundraising process and the roles in the organization. (E) Don't Know
c. The organization's Board of Directors has established a committee (or task force) charged with developing, evaluating and reviewing fundraising policies, practices and goals. (E)	c. The organization's Board of Directors has established a committee (or task force) charged with developing, evaluating and reviewing fundraising policies, practices and goals. (E) Met	c. The organization's Board of Directors has established a committee (or task force) charged with developing, evaluating and reviewing fundraising policies, practices and goals. (E) Needs Work	c. The organization's Board of Directors has established a committee (or task force) charged with developing, evaluating and reviewing fundraising policies, practices and goals. (E) Not Applicable	c. The organization's Board of Directors has established a committee (or task force) charged with developing, evaluating and reviewing fundraising policies, practices and goals. (E) Don't Know
d. The committee is actively involved in the fundraising process and works to involve others in these activities. (E)	d. The committee is actively involved in the fundraising process and works to involve others in these activities. (E) Met	d. The committee is actively involved in the fundraising process and works to involve others in these activities. (E) Needs Work	d. The committee is actively involved in the fundraising process and works to involve others in these activities. (E) Not Applicable	d. The committee is actively involved in the fundraising process and works to involve others in these activities. (E) Don't Know
e. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and committees support and participate in the total fundraising process, including project identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition. (R)	e. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and committees support and participate in the total fundraising process, including project identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition. (R) Met	e. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and committees support and participate in the total fundraising process, including project identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition. (R) Needs Work	e. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and committees support and participate in the total fundraising process, including project identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition. (R) Not Applicable	e. The Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer (if applicable) and committees support and participate in the total fundraising process, including project identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition. (R) Don't Know
f. The fundraising program is staffed and funded at a level consistent with fundraising expectations. (R)	f. The fundraising program is staffed and funded at a level consistent with fundraising expectations. (R) Met	f. The fundraising program is staffed and funded at a level consistent with fundraising expectations. (R) Needs Work	f. The fundraising program is staffed and funded at a level consistent with fundraising expectations. (R) Not Applicable	f. The fundraising program is staffed and funded at a level consistent with fundraising expectations. (R) Don't Know
g. There are direct communications and relationships between information services or marketing, accounting and other administration support functions to assist in the fundraising needs and efforts. (A)	g. There are direct communications and relationships between information services or marketing, accounting and other administration support functions to assist in the fundraising needs and efforts. (A) Met	g. There are direct communications and relationships between information services or marketing, accounting and other administration support functions to assist in the fundraising needs and efforts. (A) Needs Work	g. There are direct communications and relationships between information services or marketing, accounting and other administration support functions to assist in the fundraising needs and efforts. (A) Not Applicable	g. There are direct communications and relationships between information services or marketing, accounting and other administration support functions to assist in the fundraising needs and efforts. (A) Don't Know
h. The organization is accountable to donors and other key constituencies and demonstrates its stewardship through annual reports. (E)	h. The organization is accountable to donors and other key constituencies and demonstrates its stewardship through annual reports. (E) Met	h. The organization is accountable to donors and other key constituencies and demonstrates its stewardship through annual reports. (E) Needs Work	h. The organization is accountable to donors and other key constituencies and demonstrates its stewardship through annual reports. (E) Not Applicable	h. The organization is accountable to donors and other key constituencies and demonstrates its stewardship through annual reports. (E) Don't Know

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* 11. USING AN OUTSIDE FUNDRAISER -- The following indicators are in regard to ensuring high-quality relationships and services from a professional fundraiser.

	Met	Needs Work	Not Applicable	Don't Know
a. The organization meets the nonprofit standards of the state/provincial charities review council, if one exists. (A)	a. The organization meets the nonprofit standards of the state/provincial charities review council, if one exists. (A) Met	a. The organization meets the nonprofit standards of the state/provincial charities review council, if one exists. (A) Needs Work	a. The organization meets the nonprofit standards of the state/provincial charities review council, if one exists. (A) Not Applicable	a. The organization meets the nonprofit standards of the state/provincial charities review council, if one exists. (A) Don't Know
b. If the organization chooses to use outside professional fundraisers, several competitive bids are solicited. Each prospective outside fundraiser's background and references are checked. (R)	b. If the organization chooses to use outside professional fundraisers, several competitive bids are solicited. Each prospective outside fundraiser's background and references are checked. (R) Met	b. If the organization chooses to use outside professional fundraisers, several competitive bids are solicited. Each prospective outside fundraiser's background and references are checked. (R) Needs Work	b. If the organization chooses to use outside professional fundraisers, several competitive bids are solicited. Each prospective outside fundraiser's background and references are checked. (R) Not Applicable	b. If the organization chooses to use outside professional fundraisers, several competitive bids are solicited. Each prospective outside fundraiser's background and references are checked. (R) Don't Know
c. The organization makes legal, mutual agreed upon, signed statements with outside professional fundraisers, outline each parties' responsibilities and duties, specifying how the contributed funds will be physically handled, and to guarantee that the fees to be paid are reasonable and fair. (E)	c. The organization makes legal, mutual agreed upon, signed statements with outside professional fundraisers, outline each parties' responsibilities and duties, specifying how the contributed funds will be physically handled, and to guarantee that the fees to be paid are reasonable and fair. (E) Met	c. The organization makes legal, mutual agreed upon, signed statements with outside professional fundraisers, outline each parties' responsibilities and duties, specifying how the contributed funds will be physically handled, and to guarantee that the fees to be paid are reasonable and fair. (E) Needs Work	c. The organization makes legal, mutual agreed upon, signed statements with outside professional fundraisers, outline each parties' responsibilities and duties, specifying how the contributed funds will be physically handled, and to guarantee that the fees to be paid are reasonable and fair. (E) Not Applicable	c. The organization makes legal, mutual agreed upon, signed statements with outside professional fundraisers, outline each parties' responsibilities and duties, specifying how the contributed funds will be physically handled, and to guarantee that the fees to be paid are reasonable and fair. (E) Don't Know
d. The organization has verified that the contracted fundraiser is registered as a professional fundraiser with the appropriate government agency and all filings necessary have been made before the work commences. (E)	d. The organization has verified that the contracted fundraiser is registered as a professional fundraiser with the appropriate government agency and all filings necessary have been made before the work commences. (E) Met	d. The organization has verified that the contracted fundraiser is registered as a professional fundraiser with the appropriate government agency and all filings necessary have been made before the work commences. (E) Needs Work	d. The organization has verified that the contracted fundraiser is registered as a professional fundraiser with the appropriate government agency and all filings necessary have been made before the work commences. (E) Not Applicable	d. The organization has verified that the contracted fundraiser is registered as a professional fundraiser with the appropriate government agency and all filings necessary have been made before the work commences. (E) Don't Know
e. The fundraising committee or appropriate representatives from the Board of Directors reviews all prospective proposals with outside professional fundraiser and reviews and accepts all agreements before they are signed. (E)	e. The fundraising committee or appropriate representatives from the Board of Directors reviews all prospective proposals with outside professional fundraiser and reviews and accepts all agreements before they are signed. (E) Met	e. The fundraising committee or appropriate representatives from the Board of Directors reviews all prospective proposals with outside professional fundraiser and reviews and accepts all agreements before they are signed. (E) Needs Work	e. The fundraising committee or appropriate representatives from the Board of Directors reviews all prospective proposals with outside professional fundraiser and reviews and accepts all agreements before they are signed. (E) Not Applicable	e. The fundraising committee or appropriate representatives from the Board of Directors reviews all prospective proposals with outside professional fundraiser and reviews and accepts all agreements before they are signed. (E) Don't Know
f. If the outside professional fundraiser plans to contact potential donors directly, the organization must review the fundraising materials (e.g., public service announcements, print or broadcast advertisements, telemarketing scripts, pledge statements, brochures, letters, etc.) to verify their accuracy and to ensure that the public disclosure requirements have been met. (R)	f. If the outside professional fundraiser plans to contact potential donors directly, the organization must review the fundraising materials (e.g., public service announcements, print or broadcast advertisements, telemarketing scripts, pledge statements, brochures, letters, etc.) to verify their accuracy and to ensure that the public disclosure requirements have been met. (R) Met	f. If the outside professional fundraiser plans to contact potential donors directly, the organization must review the fundraising materials (e.g., public service announcements, print or broadcast advertisements, telemarketing scripts, pledge statements, brochures, letters, etc.) to verify their accuracy and to ensure that the public disclosure requirements have been met. (R) Needs Work	f. If the outside professional fundraiser plans to contact potential donors directly, the organization must review the fundraising materials (e.g., public service announcements, print or broadcast advertisements, telemarketing scripts, pledge statements, brochures, letters, etc.) to verify their accuracy and to ensure that the public disclosure requirements have been met. (R) Not Applicable	f. If the outside professional fundraiser plans to contact potential donors directly, the organization must review the fundraising materials (e.g., public service announcements, print or broadcast advertisements, telemarketing scripts, pledge statements, brochures, letters, etc.) to verify their accuracy and to ensure that the public disclosure requirements have been met. (R) Don't Know
g. The organization properly reports all required information regarding use of outside professional fundraisers, amount of funds raised and the related fundraising expenses as required by federal and state/provincial governments. The gross amount of funds raised by the contracted fundraiser is reported on the organization's financial statement. The fees and costs of the campaign must be reported on the statement of functional expenses. (E)	g. The organization properly reports all required information regarding use of outside professional fundraisers, amount of funds raised and the related fundraising expenses as required by federal and state/provincial governments. The gross amount of funds raised by the contracted fundraiser is reported on the organization's financial statement. The fees and costs of the campaign must be reported on the statement of functional expenses. (E) Met	g. The organization properly reports all required information regarding use of outside professional fundraisers, amount of funds raised and the related fundraising expenses as required by federal and state/provincial governments. The gross amount of funds raised by the contracted fundraiser is reported on the organization's financial statement. The fees and costs of the campaign must be reported on the statement of functional expenses. (E) Needs Work	g. The organization properly reports all required information regarding use of outside professional fundraisers, amount of funds raised and the related fundraising expenses as required by federal and state/provincial governments. The gross amount of funds raised by the contracted fundraiser is reported on the organization's financial statement. The fees and costs of the campaign must be reported on the statement of functional expenses. (E) Not Applicable	g. The organization properly reports all required information regarding use of outside professional fundraisers, amount of funds raised and the related fundraising expenses as required by federal and state/provincial governments. The gross amount of funds raised by the contracted fundraiser is reported on the organization's financial statement. The fees and costs of the campaign must be reported on the statement of functional expenses. (E) Don't Know

The following resources can be helpful for "diagnosing" your business based on the results of this questionnaire. The categories of questions in this questionnaire align nicely with the following resource. It can suggest which categories to improve and in which order.
Systems-Based Method to Diagnose Nonprofits

Here are common types of recommendations to improve a nonprofit organization. The categories of recommendations also align with the categories of questions in this questionnaire.
Common Recommendations to Improve Nonprofits

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