Blog

Introducing the Nonprofit Organization Self-Assessment Tool

January 28, 2022

By Megan Pierce, Donor Services Director

NPO Self-Assessment ToolLa Crosse Community Foundation’s very own Nonprofit Self-Assessment Tool

After much time spent searching to find a nonprofit assessment tool that would help nonprofits assess the health of their organization and operations, and ultimately coming up short, we decided to make our own Nonprofit Organization Self-Assessment Tool. We are excited to announce that it’s live and ready to use!

What is it?

The NPO Self-Assessment Tool was designed to help nonprofit organizations identify areas for improvement across seven key categories:

  • Governance
  • Human Resources & Operations (for organizations with paid staff)
  • Financial Oversight & Risk Management
  • Marketing & Communication
  • Fundraising/Resource Development
  • Program Management & Effectiveness
  • Legal Compliance & Preserving Tax Exempt Status

How does it work?

Any nonprofit, regardless of size, can complete the NPO Self-Assessment Tool. For the most accurate results, it’s recommended that an organization’s top leader complete the assessment. Following the completion of the assessment the results can be printed or a copy of the results can be sent to a provided email address.

Navigating your results

Recipients will receive an overall point score, as well as a breakdown of how the organization has scored in each of the categories. For example, an organization may find they’re doing great with governance, and have areas to improve with legal compliance.

Essential, recommended, and best practice recommendations are given for many of the categories covered in the NPO Self-Assessment Tool. Essential practices are viewed as the basic things that every NPO needs to be doing to stay compliant with their NPO status. Recommended practices are a way to improve upon the essential recommendations, and best practices are the top tier of what NPOs can be doing to maximize their organizations efforts.

Get started now!

If you’re a nonprofit looking to assess your current organization, feel free to head to the NPO Self-Assessment Tool here. And be sure to check out other areas of our Nonprofit Resource Center as it exists to help local nonprofits maximize their impact on our community.