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A Nonprofit Capacity Self-Assessment Workbook
For Rural Community-Based Housing Organizations

© Housing Assistance Council, 2000

Permission is granted ONLY to nonprofit community-based organizations to reproduce and/or adapt this document, and only for their own use.

WORKSHEET 7.  ASSESSING BOARD STRUCTURES

Indicate with a check in the appropriate columns how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements. (Strong disagreement indicates an opportunity for capacity improvement.)

Our Board of Directors ...
Strongly Agree
Slightly Agree
Neutral
Slightly Disagree
Strongly Disagree
... is bonded and insured.          
... has active committees that streamline its work.          
... has high meeting attendance (90% attend regularly).          
... engages in strategic planning on a regular basis.          
... sets policy to carry out the organization's mission.          
... can recite our mission statement from memory.          
... evaluates the executive director on an annual basis.          
... is able to easily understand financial spreadsheets.          
... uses this information regularly to review the budget.          
... has annual discussions with an independent auditor.          
... has identified financial and operating risks to the group.          
... is well-informed about outside forces impacting services.          
... can anticipate future constituent needs and plan for them.          
... has community connections that enhance our support.          
... is able to recruit and retain effective members.          
... participates in fundraising (at least half of the members).          
... personally gives to the organization (all the members).          
... communicates regularly and effectively with staff.          
... can credibly represent our group to outsiders.          
... can effectively advocate for our constituents.          
... involves key staff in strategic planning.          
... manages its turnover through regular elections.          
... is large enough to be inclusive.          
... is small enough to be manageable.          
... does not unduly interfere with staff decisions.          

On To Phase II

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