Can Your Nonprofit Thrive? A Quick Test

Let’s face it, if you’re worried about surviving, its hard to focus on your mission. And, it draining.

Every nonprofit can benefit from a quick read on its successes and survival odds. This quick assessment will help you to quickly identify your strengths and needs. Use it at your next staff and board meetings. It’s a great discussion starter about what you can celebrate and what needs work. (Then, pull out the test in a year and see your progress. Don’t get discouraged if your numbers haven’t moved a lot. Your goal is to make steady progress.)

How to Use the Can Your Nonprofit Thrive Test

Evaluate your nonprofit organization on each of these “survive-to-thrive” characteristics, the higher your score—the better. If you score less than 35, you’re in danger of failing. Above, 55, things look good for your long-term success, but you probably have a couple of great opportunities to move forward.

1. Programs and Services of Impeccable Quality

We’re doing our best					We’re the undisputed best
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

2. Board Leadership 

Core believers					National leaders
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

3. Staff Culture

Paternal					Professional
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

4. Revenue

Insufficient					Endowed operations
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

5. Promotion and Marketing

Best kept secret					Top of  mind
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

6. Community Growth

Stalwart friends					New friends daily
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

 

7. Planned Gifts

We hope so!					Active legacy society
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10

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Resources to help you increase your score

Karen’s CEO Solutions – includes the CEO Solutions Library, a collection of resources for nonprofit CEOs and executive directors about common leadership challenges

Nonprofit Strategy 101 

Guilty as Charged, How to Prove Your Nonprofit Board Supports Your Organization

Download a free chapter of Karen’s latest book, Let’s Raise Nonprofit Millions Together