Please follow the instructions for each question. This questionnaire should take about 10 minutes to complete. If you get interrupted and cannot complete the survey in one session, you may return to this computer to finish it later. Thank you for your input!
What is the name of the organization you are evaluating?   What is the street address of the organization you are evaluating?   City   State   Zip   Please indicate your position with the organization:   Board Executive Management Staff   Please select your current staff level:   Front-line Staff Administrative Staff Supervisor Mid-level Manager		How long have you been with your organization?   Less than 6 months 6 months to less than 1 year 1 to less than 2 years 2 to less than 5 years 5 to less than 10 years 10 years or more   What is the budget size of your organization?   Less than $25,000 annually $25,000 to $99,000 $100,000 to less than $500,000 $500,000 to less than $1 Million $1 Million to less than $5 Million $5 Million to $10 Million More than $10 Million DON'T KNOW

Please select the top THREE areas that are the most important to HOW your organization operates:   Mission and Values Service Structure External Trends Planning Performance Management Constituent Input Human Resources Communications Collaborations and Partnerships Policies and Procedures Internal Controls Evaluation Accountability Financial Management

Please select the top THREE areas that are key CHALLENGES to the operation of your organization:   Mission and Values Service Structure External Trends Planning Performance Management Constituent Input Human Resources Communications Collaborations and Partnerships Policies and Procedures Internal Controls Evaluation Accountability Financial Management

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 1: MISSION AND VALUES   Agency’s Purpose (Mission)   I don’t know the agency’s purpose (mission). I am familiar with the agency’s purpose (mission). I have seen the agency’s purpose (mission) in writing. The agency’s purpose (mission) is regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s purpose (mission) is referred to when making decisions about agency activities.   Operating Principles (Values, Beliefs)   I don’t know the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs). I am familiar with the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs). I have seen the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) in writing. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are referred to when making decisions about agency activities.

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 2: SERVICES   Approach and Services   I don’t know why the agency provides certain programs. I am familiar with the research that supports why the agency provides the programs or services it does. I believe all the agency’s services are connected as a way to accomplish its purpose (mission). I know the outcomes (results) the agency hopes to achieve in providing these programs. The agency frequently revisits/evaluates its reasoning for providing the programs it does.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 3: EXTERNAL TRENDS   Solicit Information about Agency Programs & Services   I don’t know if the agency regularly asks clients or other constituent or community groups, for information regarding the need for the agency’s programs.   The agency regularly assesses the current community need for its programs. The agency asks for this information from a variety of these sources (Clients, opinion and community leaders, other constituents). The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s priorities or to make adjustments to its programs.   Solicit Information about Community Trends & Best Practices   I don’t know if the agency gathers information about relevant community trends and best practices. The agency regularly gathers information about community trends that could impact the work we do. The agency regularly gathers information about best practices that could improve the work we do. The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s direction and priorities and/or to make adjustments to its programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 4: PLAN FOR THE FUTURE   Strategic Plan   I have never seen and/or heard of a plan for the future of the agency.   I have seen the agency’s plan for the future. The agency’s plan has measurable objectives for its programs. The agency’s plan has measurable objectives for its finances. The agency’s plan guides decision-making including ways in which it employs (or assigns) people, selects and uses facilities, and raises and spends funds.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 5: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT   Program Performance Objectives   I don’t know what the agency expects its programs to achieve. I know what our agency expects its programs to achieve. I have seen written information about what the programs are expected to achieve. The agency evaluates/monitors its programs to see if they are meeting these expectations. The agency makes changes to its programs, based on the information from its evaluations/monitoring.   Action Plans   I don’t know how the agency plans to achieve these results I know how the agency plans to achieve these results. I have seen written information or action plans about how the agency plans to achieve these results. The agency tracks progress on these plans to see if they are meeting these expectations. The agency makes changes to its expectations as needed.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 6: CONSTITUENT INPUT   Constituent Input   I don’t know if the agency asks clients for their opinions about its satisfaction and/or programs. I know that the agency asks clients for their opinions about its direction and/or programs. I have seen reports/forms containing information gathered from clients about the agency’s direction and/or programs. The agency uses the information gathered from clients to guide decisions about its direction and/or programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 7: HUMAN RESOURCES   Human Resources   I don’t feel qualified and/or trained enough to perform in my current position. I understand the job and performance expectations of my current position. I receive(d) training that allows me to perform my job responsibilities. I receive formal performance evaluations at least annually. I understand the agency’s “chain of command” and reporting structure.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 8: COMMUNICATION   Internal Communications   I don’t know if the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences, such as clients, staff, volunteers. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences. Staff at all levels are adequately informed about matters that affect their work I receive information from the agency on a regular basis. The information I receive from the agency is both timely and relevant to the work I do.   External Communications   I don’t know if the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences, such as funders, partners, community groups and policy makers. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences. The agency communicates on a regular basis with its external audiences (for example: through newsletters, website, annual reports, etc.) The information that the agency sends to its external audiences is both timely and relevant to the work the agency is doing.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 9: COLLABORATIONS   Collaborations   I don’t know if the agency partners or collaborates with other organizations. I know that the agency partners or collaborates with other organizations. I know how the partnership or collaboration with other organizations benefits our agency and its mission. The agency regularly monitors or evaluates its partnerships and/or collaborations with other organizations to assure that the relationship continues to benefit our agency and its mission.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 10: POLICIES & PROCEDURES   Organizational Policies & Procedures   I don’t know what policies and procedures the agency uses to guide how it makes decisions, provides services, or takes action. I am familiar with the agency’s organizational policies and procedures, such as client intake, service procedures, etc. I have seen these organizational policies and procedures in writing. The agency and all staff use these policies and procedures to guide their work, decisions, and actions. The agency’s policies and procedures are designed to contribute to delivering quality services to clients and/or organizational success. The agency regularly and adequately reviews and updates its organizational policies and procedures to improve efficiency or effectiveness of services.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 11: INTERNAL CONTROLS   Internal Controls   I don’t know if the agency has a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I know that the agency has a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I have seen reports/forms that show how the effectiveness of the agency’s programs is monitored and/or what the results are. The agency uses information from these reports to make timely adjustments to its programs that improve efficiency and effectiveness.   Information Management   I don’t know if the organization has a way to make needed data and information about programs and services available and readily accessible.   I know that the agency has a way to make needed data and information available and readily accessible as appropriate. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information ACCURATE I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information RELIABLE OR TIMELY. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information SECURE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 12: OUTCOMES EVALUATION   Outcomes Evaluation   I am not aware of an agency-wide evaluation having taken place in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I know that the agency conducted an agency-wide evaluation in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I have read the report from an agency-wide evaluation conducted in the last three years. The agency used the information from the last agency-wide evaluation to make changes that improved the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 13: ACCOUNTABILITY   Risk Management   The agency has not informed staff of issues where it is exposed to risk. I know the agency has analyzed its exposure to risk regarding services, clientele, and facilities.   The agency takes action to address those findings regarding risks through formal policies, procedures, or other means of protection. The agency compiles information regarding accidents, incidents, or complaints from clients or staff related to risks. The agency regularly reviews incident reports and takes action to make any necessary changes.

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 1: MISSION AND VALUES   Agency’s Purpose (Mission)   I don’t know the agency’s purpose (mission). I am familiar with the agency’s purpose (mission). I have seen the agency’s purpose (mission) in writing. The agency’s purpose (mission) is regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s purpose (mission) is referred to when making decisions about agency activities.   Operating Principles (Values, Beliefs)   I don’t know the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs). I am familiar with the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs). I have seen the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) in writing. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are referred to when making decisions about agency activities.

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 2: SERVICES   Approach and Services   I don’t know why the agency provides certain programs. I am familiar with the research that supports why the agency provides the programs or services it does. I believe all the agency’s services are connected as a way to accomplish its purpose (mission). I know the outcomes (results) the agency hopes to achieve in providing these programs. The agency frequently revisits/evaluates its reasoning for providing the programs it does.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 3: EXTERNAL TRENDS   Solicit Information about Agency Programs & Services   I don’t know if the agency regularly asks clients or other constituent or community groups, for information regarding the need for the agency’s programs.   The agency regularly assesses the current community need for its programs. The agency asks for this information from a variety of these sources (Clients, opinion and community leaders, other constituents). The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s priorities or to make adjustments to its programs.   Solicit Information about Community Trends & Best Practices   I don’t know if the agency gathers information about relevant community trends and best practices. The agency regularly gathers information about community trends that could impact the work we do. The agency regularly gathers information about best practices that could improve the work we do. The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s direction and priorities and/or to make adjustments to its programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 4: PLAN FOR THE FUTURE   Strategic Plan   I have never seen and/or heard of a plan for the future of the agency.   I have seen the agency’s plan for the future. The agency’s plan has measurable objectives for its programs. The agency’s plan has measurable objectives for its finances. The agency’s plan guides decision-making including ways in which it employs people and facilities, and raises and spends funds. The plan was presented to and approved according to board governance policies.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 5: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT   Program Performance Objectives   I don’t know what the agency expects its programs to achieve. I know what our agency expects its programs to achieve. I have seen written information about what the programs are expected to achieve. The agency evaluates/monitors its programs to see if they are meeting expectations. The agency makes changes to its programs, based on the information from its evaluations/monitoring. The board receives a progress report on all the agency's program at least annually.   Financial Performance Objectives   I don’t know the agency's financial plan. I know that the agency has a financial plan. I have seen the agency's financial plan or information about it. The agency evaluates/monitors its finances to see if it is meeting the goals of the plan. The agency makes financial adjustments in order to achieve the goals of the plan, based on the information from its evaluations/monitoring The board receives a progress report on all the agency’s finances at least annually.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 6: CONSTITUENT INPUT   Constituent Input   I don’t know if the agency asks clients for their opinions about its satisfaction and/or programs. I know that the agency asks clients for their opinions about its direction and/or programs. I have seen reports/forms containing information gathered from clients about the agency’s direction and/or programs. The agency uses the information gathered from clients to guide decisions about its direction and/or programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 7: HUMAN RESOURCES   Human Resources   I am not aware how the board is involved in employment matters. I know the board has established appropriate employment policies. I aware that the agency has ensured that the employment policies comply with applicable federal and state laws. The board follows the agency’s procedure in reviewing the executive director’s performance at least on an annual basis. The agency has conducted succession planning for key leadership.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 8: COMMUNICATION   Internal Communications   I don’t know if the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences, such as clients, staff, volunteers, and board members. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences. I have seen the policies that explain how we communicate with internal audiences in writing. I receive information from the agency on a regular basis. The information I receive from the agency is both timely and relevant to the work I do as a board member.   External Communications   I don’t know if the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences, such as funders, partners, community groups and policy makers. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences. I have seen the policies that explain how we communicate with external audiences in writing. The agency communicates on a regular basis with its external audiences (for example: through newsletters, website, annual reports, etc.) The information that the agency sends to its external audiences is both timely and relevant to the work the agency is doing.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 9: COLLABORATIONS   Collaborations   I don’t know if the agency partners or collaborates with other organizations. I know that the agency partners or collaborates with other organizations. I know how the partnership or collaboration with other organizations benefits our agency and its mission. The agency regularly monitors or evaluates its partnerships and/or collaborations with other organizations to assure that the relationship continues to benefit our agency and its mission.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 10: POLICIES & PROCEDURES   Organizational Policies & Procedures   I don’t know what policies and procedures the agency uses to guide how it makes decisions, provides services, or takes action. I am familiar with the agency’s organizational policies and procedures, such as bylaws, board governance or conflict of interest policies. I have seen these organizational policies and procedures in writing. The board adheres to these policies and procedures to guide their work, decisions, and actions. The agency organizational policies and procedures are up to date.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 11: INTERNAL CONTROLS   Internal Controls   I don’t know if the agency has a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I know that the agency has a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I have seen reports/forms that show how the effectiveness of the agency’s programs is monitored and/or what the results are. The agency uses information from these reports to make timely adjustments to its programs that improve efficiency and effectiveness.   Information Management   I don’t know if the organization has a way to make needed data and information about programs and services available and readily accessible.   I know that the agency has a way to make needed data and information available and readily accessible as appropriate. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information ACCURATE I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information RELIABLE OR TIMELY. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information SECURE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 12: OUTCOMES EVALUATION   Outcomes Evaluation   I am not aware of an agency-wide evaluation having taken place in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I know that the agency conducted an agency-wide evaluation in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I have read the report from an agency-wide evaluation conducted in the last three years. The agency used the information from the last agency-wide evaluation to make changes that improved the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 13: ACCOUNTABILITY   Unplanned Events   I don’t know if the agency has policies that explain how we manage and communicate during leadership transitions, unplanned events, and/or crises. I know the agency has policies that explain how we manage and communicate during leadership transitions, unplanned events and/or crises. I have seen these policies in writing. The agency uses these policies to manage leadership transitions, unplanned events and/or crises.   Risk Management: Process to manage surprises/uncertainty and protect resources   I don’t know if the agency assesses its exposure to risk on its policies and facilities. I know that the agency assesses its exposure to risk on its policies and facilities. The board understands the relationship between risk management and insurance, and recognizes that the nonprofit faces insurable as well as uninsurable, risks. The board conducts its own evaluation of the adequacy of the agency’s insurance coverage and accepts the responsibility for understanding how the nonprofit protects assets from catastrophic loss. The board receives at least an annual report of findings from a risk assessment and the results of the corrective actions taken.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 14: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT   Financial Information   I have not reviewed agency financial statements or policies. The board has reviewed agency financial policies and procedures to ensure the necessary checks and balances are in place. The board regularly reviews financial statements to guide decisions about its direction, programs and make adjustments that ensure its assets are protected. The financial statements are presented with sufficient information to allow for careful scrutiny of the agency’s financial position. The budget of the organization is adopted prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. � During the budget presentations, members of the board make comments, ask questions, and engage in discussion indicating board understanding of the financial position of the agency.   Resource Development   The agency does not have a fundraising, or plan for financial sustainability. The agency does have a fundraising or plan for financial sustainability. The agency consistently monitors fundraising progress. Board and staff are clear about their resource development responsibilities. The agency sources of funding are adequately diversified.

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 1: MISSION AND VALUES   Agency’s Purpose (Mission)   The agency does not have a formally stated purpose (mission). I am familiar with the agency’s purpose (mission). I have seen the agency’s purpose in writing (mission). The agency’s purpose (mission) is regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s purpose (mission) is referred to when making decisions about agency activities.   Operating Principles (Values, Beliefs)   The agency does not have operating principles (values/beliefs). I am familiar with the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs). I have seen the agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) in writing. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are regularly communicated to everyone who is involved with or could be interested in our organization. The agency’s operating principles (values/beliefs) are referred to when making decisions about agency activities.

How well you: SAY WHAT YOU DO? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 2: SERVICE STRUCTURE   Approach and Services   It is not clear why the agency provides certain programs. I am familiar with the research that supports why the agency provides the programs it does. I believe all the agency’s services are connected as a way to accomplish its purpose (mission). I know the outcomes (results) the agency hopes to achieve in providing these programs. The agency frequently revisits/evaluates its reasoning for providing the programs it does.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 3: EXTERNAL TRENDS   Solicit Information about Agency Programs & Services   The agency does not regularly asks clients or other constituent or community groups, for information regarding the need for the agency’s programs.   The agency regularly asks clients or other constituent or community groups, for information regarding the need for its programs. The agency asks for this information from a variety of these sources (Clients, opinion and community leaders, other constituents). The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s priorities or to make adjustments to its programs.   Solicit Information about Community Trends & Best Practices   The agency does not gather information about relevant community trends and best practices. The agency regularly gathers information about community trends that could impact the work we do. The agency regularly gathers information about best practices that could improve the work we do. The agency uses this information to guide the agency’s direction and priorities and/or to make adjustments to its programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 4: PLAN FOR THE FUTURE   Strategic Plan   The agency does not have a plan for the future. I have seen the agency’s plan for the future. The plan has measurable objectives for its programs. The plan has measurable objectives for its finances. The agency’s plan guides decision-making including ways in which it employs people and facilities, and raises and spends funds. The plan was presented to and approved according to board governance policies.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 5: PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT   Program Performance Objectives   The agency does not have clear expectations about what programs are supposed to achieve. I know what our agency expects its programs to achieve. I have seen written information about what the programs are expected to achieve. The agency evaluates/monitors its programs to see if they are meeting expectations. The agency makes changes to its programs, based on the information from its evaluations/monitoring. The board receives a progress report on all the agency’s programs at least annually.   Financial Performance Objectives   The agency does not have a financial plan. The agency does have a financial plan. I have seen the agency’s financial plan or information about it. The agency evaluates/monitors its finances to see if it is meeting the goals of the plan. The agency makes financial adjustments in order to achieve the goals of the plan, based on the information from its evaluations/monitoring The board receives a progress report on all the agency’s finances at least annually.   Action Plans   The agency does not have a plan to achieve these results I know how the agency plans to achieve these results. I have seen written information or action plans about how agency plans to achieve these results. The agency tracks progress on these plans to see if they are meeting these expectations. The agency makes changes to its expectations as needed.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 6: CONSTITUENT INPUT   Constituent Input   The agency does not ask clients for their opinions about its satisfaction and/or programs. I know that the agency asks clients for their opinions about its direction and/or programs. I have seen reports/forms containing information gathered from clients about the agency’s direction and/or programs. The agency uses the information gathered from clients to guide decisions about its direction and/or programs.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 7: HUMAN RESOURCES   Human Resource Policies   The board is not involved in employment matters. The board has established appropriate employment policies. The agency has ensured that the employment policies comply with applicable federal and state laws. The agency has conducted succession planning for key leadership.   Human Resources   I don’t feel qualified and/or trained enough to perform in my current position I understand the job and performance expectations of my current position. I receive(d) training that allows me to perform my job responsibilities. I receive formal performance evaluations at least annually. I understand the agency’s “chain of command” and reporting structure.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 8: COMMUNICATION   Internal Communications   The agency does not have policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences, such as Clients, staff, volunteers and board members. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with internal audiences. I have seen the policies that explain how we communicate with internal audiences in writing. I receive information from the agency on a regular basis. The information I receive from the agency is both timely and relevant to the work I do.   External Communications   The agency does not have policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences, such as funders, partners, community groups and policy makers. I know the agency has policies and procedures for communicating with external audiences. I have seen the policies that explain how we communicate with external audiences in writing. The agency communicates on a regular basis with its external audiences (for example: through newsletters, website, annual reports, etc.) The information that the agency sends to its external audiences is both timely and relevant to the work the agency is doing.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 9: COLLABORATIONS   Collaborations   The agency does not partner or collaborate with other organizations. I know that the agency partners or collaborates with other organizations. I know how the partnership or collaboration with other organizations benefits our agency and its mission. The agency regularly monitors or evaluates its partnerships and/or collaborations with other organizations to assure that the relationship continues to benefit our agency and its mission.

How well you: DO WHAT YOU SAY? Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 10: POLICIES & PROCEDURES   Organizational Policies & Procedures   The agency does not have formal policies and procedures it uses to guide how it makes decisions, provides services, or takes action. I am familiar with the agency’s organizational policies and procedures, such as client intake, service procedures, bylaws, board governance or conflict of interest policies, etc. I have seen these organizational policies and procedures in writing. The agency and all staff use these policies and procedures to guide their work, decisions, and actions. The agency’s policies and procedures are designed to contribute to delivering quality services to clients and/or organizational success. The agency regularly and adequately reviews and updates its organizational policies and procedures to improve efficiency or effectiveness of services.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 11: INTERNAL CONTROLS   Internal Controls   The agency does not have a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I know that the agency has a way to check whether its programs are operating according to procedures/plan. I have seen reports/forms that show how the effectiveness of the agency’s programs is monitored and/or what the results are. The agency uses information from these reports to make timely adjustments to its programs that improve efficiency and effectiveness.   Information Management   The agency does not have a way to make needed data and information about programs and services available and readily accessible.   I know that the agency has a way to make needed data and information available and readily accessible as appropriate. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information ACCURATE I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information RELIABLE OR TIMELY. I know that there is a way to keep organizational data and information SECURE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 12: OUTCOMES EVALUATION   Outcomes Evaluation   There has not been an agency-wide evaluation in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I know that the agency conducted an agency-wide evaluation in the last three years that identifies agency outcomes and community impact. I have read the report from an agency-wide evaluation conducted in the last three years. The agency used the information from the last agency-wide evaluation to make changes that improved the effectiveness and efficiency of its programs.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 13: ACCOUNTABILITY   Unplanned Events   The agency does not have policies that explain how we manage and communicate during leadership transitions, unplanned events, and/or crises. I know the agency has policies that explain how we manage and communicate during leadership transitions, unplanned events and/or crises. I have seen these policies in writing. The agency uses these policies to manage leadership transitions, unplanned events and/or crises.   Risk Management: Process to manage surprises/uncertainty and protect resources   The agency does not assess its exposure to risk on things such as services, clientele, policies and facilities. I know that the agency assesses its exposure to risk on things such as services, clientele, policies and facilities. The agency evaluates the adequacy of the agency’s insurance coverage and accepts the responsibility for understanding how the nonprofit protects assets from catastrophic loss. The agency compiles information regarding accidents, incidents, or complaints from clients or staff related to risks. The agency takes action to address findings regarding risks through formal policies, procedures, or other means of protection.

Can you: PROVE IT! Carefully read each of the statements below and choose ALL of those that reflect your personal knowledge and experience at the agency. CRITERION 14: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT   Financial Information   The agency does not regularly review agency financial statements or policies. The agency reviews financial policies and procedures to ensure the necessary checks and balances are in place. The board regularly reviews financial statements to guide decisions about its direction, programs and make adjustments that ensure its assets are protected. The financial statements are presented to the board with sufficient information to allow for careful scrutiny of the agency’s financial position. The budget of the organization is adopted prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. During the budget presentations, members of the board make comments, ask questions, and engage in discussion indicating board understanding of the financial position of the agency.   Resource Development   The agency does not have a fundraising, or plan for financial sustainability. The agency does have a fundraising or plan for financial sustainability. The agency consistently monitors fundraising progress. Board and staff are clear about their resource development responsibilities. The agency sources of funding are adequately diversified.

In thinking about this organization, what could you identify as the most "innovative program or practice" that this organization has implemented or is known for in the community?   Briefly describe the most effective innovation that your organization implemented in 2007-2008.

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