Delivering Knowledge and Tools to Nonprofits

Assessments

Organizational Assessment

Capacity building is defined as actions that improve nonprofit effectiveness. Nonprofit managers are responsible for building capacity, although they may get assistance from consultants or others. Grantmakers get involved by developing capacity building programs that provide resources to support nonprofits as they work to improve their effectiveness.

Organizational effectiveness is difficult to define precisely and impossible to reduce to a set of attributes or activities. It is a rich blend of strong management and sound governance that enables an organization to move steadily toward its goals, to adapt to change, and to innovate. The pursuit of organizational effectiveness means continuous learning and improvement in the management of resources and the coordination and leadership of people. It assumes clarity of vision and alignment of goals and activities with that vision. It embraces the importance of defining hoped‑for outcomes and the need to measure progress toward achieving those outcomes. And, it implies periodic reflection and critical self‑assessment to reevaluate the organization’s role in the context of an increasingly complex and ever‑changing society.

Organizational assessments are useful diagnostic tools to ensure that the capacity building focuses on the right issues. Comprehensive assessments also help the organization see all aspects of its own functioning, an invaluable first stage in the learning process. Assessments can identify the organization’s assets or strengths on which to build, as well as problem areas that may need attention. They also provide baseline data for evaluation purposes. A comprehensive assessment will help an organization see beyond the immediate concern to core organizational capacity issues that will determine its character, scale, reach, and impact for the future.
 
An Organizational assessment can also help the nonprofit avoid misdirecting energy and investment.  mission, vision, and strategy; governance and leadership; program delivery and impact; strategic relationships; resource development; and internal operations and management are components that are important in healthy, high-performing organizations. Nonprofits often have immediate, critical needs for assistance, such as fundraising or marketing assistance. Responding directly to these immediate needs may be exactly what will help the organization strengthen its functioning. But other aspects of the organization, such as goal setting or board development, may need help before fundraising or marketing can be useful. A thorough assessment can give a clear picture of priority areas for development.
 
Nonprofit Alliance staff and trained consultants are available to provide:
a presentation to your board of directors on the value of an organizational assessment
an orientation on the assesssment process
a readiness assessment prior to embarking on the organizational assessment process
a pool of trained consultants available to conduct the assessment
best practice assessment tools
 
The organizational assessment process takes approximately 45-60 days to complete depending on the size of your organization.  Fees are based on the number of hours appropriate with the size of your organization (staff and operating budget).  Organizations can request financial assistance through the Capacity Building Pooled Fund to conduct the process.
 
Contact NPA for more information.



posted 02-05-2010 [Assessments]