Very Weak

Somewhat Weak

Adequate but Needs Work

Moving Toward A Strength

Very Strong

The organization has a clearly written statement of qualifications and criteria for board members that the nominating committee takes into consideration.

The organization’s board members are very effective in working to assist the organization in achieving its objectives and have a high degree of ownership in the organization.

There are regularly schedule board meetings with a printed schedule of meetings for the year.

The individual board members are highly committed to securing the funds that insures the organization has adequate financial resources to meet its objective.

All board members have some type of assignment such as officer, committee chairperson, or committee member and these responsibilities are in writing and supplied to all members.

There is adequate preparation of materials including agendas, study materials, financial reports, etc. which is sent to the board members in advance of the board meeting.

Board meetings deal primarily with policy formation, reviewing and approving the work of committees,

review of plans, making board authorizations and evaluating the work of the organization.

Very Weak

Somewhat Weak

Adequate but Needs Work

Moving Toward A Strength

Very Strong

The organization has a leadership development process which insures continuity in the election of officers and appointment of committee chairpersons.

The organization has an adequate pool of volunteers to carry out its objectives.

The organization has a good functioning committee system through which work is channeled.

The organization, if staffed, has written personnel policies.

If all-volunteer, the organization has a written job description for the key people in responsible position.

The organization has a program of orientation for board members which includes a board of directors manual, and an orientation for volunteers which includes a packet of information on the organization.

The organization has a systematic recruitment program for volunteers.

Committee assignments and responsibilities are in writing and copies are supplied to committee members.

Very Weak

Somewhat Weak

Adequate but Needs Work

Moving Toward A Strength

Very Strong

The organization has a mission statement or statement of purpose.     

The organization has a printed organization chart.

The organization has an on-going process of systematically assessing its strengths and weaknesses and brings these to bear on the direction and priorities for the organization.

The organization has a written long-range plan with objectives that indicate a time period for achievement and responsibility for implementation.

The organization has a written annual plan of work to be accomplished in the current fiscal year for both the board of directors and the staff.

The organization has a written annual report.         

The board of directors conducts an annual review of its own organization and programs and services.

Very Weak

Somewhat Weak

Adequate but Needs Work

Moving Toward A Strength

Very Strong

The organization has an annual budgeting process that begins at least four months prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.

The organization has a finance committee of the board to oversee financial policies and the overall financial management of the organization.  

Written financial reports are given at every board meeting that enable the board members to easily assess the current financial status of the organization through a comparison with the annual budget.

The organization has a method for obtaining input about programs and services it offers from a broad cross-section of the community.

The organization understands the demographics of the community and has clearly defined constituents or groups targeted for programs or services, and has a carefully formulated marketing plan.           

The organization uses a variety of promotional avenues to inform the public of its activities and services.

The organization has a highly visible and positive image in the community and operates from a position of strength when dealing with the business and government sectors.

Very Weak

Somewhat Weak

Adequate but Needs Work

Moving Toward A Strength

Very Strong

The organization is visionary

The organization is pragmatic

The organization is persevering

The organization is enthusiastic

The organization is flexible

The organization is action-oriented

The organization is a risk-taker

The organization is proud

The organization is open

The organization is community-   owned and community based