Checklist for a Planning Assessment for Nonprofit Organizations

(Be sure to read How to Use this Tool and Disclaimers before using information in this document.)

This document suggests indicators regarding the total organization, organization’s programs and general
approach to evaluation.

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Planning Regarding the Total Organization

Rating *	Indicator	Met	Needs Work	N/A
E	1. The organization’s purpose and activities meet community needs.
R	2. The organization frequently evaluates, by soliciting community input, whether its mission and activities provide benefit to the community.
R	3. The organization has a value statement that is reflected in the agency’s activities and is communicated by its constituents.
A	4. The value statement includes standards of ethical behavior and respect for other’s interests.
E	5. The organization has a clear, meaningful written mission statement which reflects its purpose, values and people served.
R	6. The board and staff periodically review the mission statement and modify it to reflect changes in the environment.
E	7. The board and staff developed and adopted a written strategic plan to achieve its mission.
A	8. Board, staff, service recipients, volunteers, key constituents and general members of the community participate in the planning process.
E	9. The plan was developed by researching the internal and external environment.
R	10. The plan identifies the changing community needs including the agency’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
R	11. The planning process identifies the critical issues facing the organization.
R	12. The plan sets goals and measurable objectives that address these critical issues.
E	13. The plan integrates all the organization’s activities around a focused mission.
R	14. The plan prioritizes the agency goals and develops timelines for their accomplishments.
A	15. The plan establishes an evaluation process and performance indicators to measure the progress toward the achievement of goals and objectives.
R	16. Through work plans, human and financial resources are allocated to insure the accomplishment of the goals in a timely fashion.
A	17. The plan is communicated to all stakeholders of the agency — service recipients, board, staff, volunteers and the general community.
Indicators ratings: E=essential; R=recommended; A=additional to strengthen organizational activities

Planning Regarding the Organization’s Programs

Rating *	Indicator	Met	Needs Work	N/A
E	1. Programs are congruent with the agency’s mission and strategic plan.
A	2. The organization actively informs the public about its programs and services.
A	3. Clients and potential clients have the opportunity to participate in program development.
R	4. Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure each program can achieve the established goals and objectives.
R	5. Staff has sufficient training and skill level to produce the program.
A	6. Programs within the organization are integrated to provide more complete services to clients.
R	7. Each program has performance indicators to insure that the program meets its goals and objectives.
R	8. Performance indicators are reviewed annually.
A	9. The agency networks and/or collaborates with other organizations to produce the most comprehensive and effective services to clients.
Indicators ratings: E=essential; R=recommended; A=additional to strengthen organizational activities

Planning Regarding the Organization’s
Evaluations

Rating *	Indicator	Met	Needs Work	N/A
R	1. Every year, the organization evaluates its activities to determine progress toward goal accomplishment.
A	2. Stakeholders are involved in the evaluation process.
R	3. The evaluation includes a review of organizational programs and systems to insure that they comply with the organization’s mission, values and goals.
R	4. The results of the evaluation are reflected in the revised plan.
A	5. Periodically, the organization conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its programs. This evaluation measures program outcomes.
Indicators ratings: E=essential; R=recommended; A=additional to strengthen organizational activities

This information may be copied. Please cite credit to the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

For the Category of Organizational Development:

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