Key Indicators, Drivers, Blocks & Block Removers For Nonprofit Leaders

The Opportunity

Deep support for the work of nonprofits depends on deep trust between donors and nonprofits. Nonprofit self-audits can help build that trust. The self-audit referred to here, goes beyond a traditional financial audit to one that addresses seven performance areas and involves feedback from board members, staff, major donors and other stakeholders. Those seven areas are:

1. Relationship /Connectedness
2. Mission/Goals/Feedback
3. Current Project Assessment
4. Effectiveness/Efficiency/Sustainability
5. Leadership
6. Volunteer Management
7. Donor Direction of Gifts

To self-audit is an act of courage. There are many motivations, some proactive and some reactive for self-auditing . . . and some risks. Before taking this step, read each indicator and assess what's possible and what's at risk.

Directions

Place a check mark next to each of the indicators that address a factor of importance to your nonprofit.

A Self-Audit of our nonprofit would likely:

1. Create a breakthrough in trust and accountability with stakeholders
2. Respond to a donor complaint or alleged wrong doing
3. Earn community respect by self-auditing without being asked
4. Lift a veil of misunderstanding between donors and nonprofits
5. Proactively pinpoint our nonprofit's "proud's" and "do better's"
6. Help us sleep better knowing our house is in order
7. Correct an error, integrity lapse or ethical lapse
8. Make it easier to do our job effectively
9. Assure a check and balance between staff and board
10. Put rigor and heart back into conscious nonprofit management
11. Differentiate our nonprofit in the minds of donors and funding agencies
12. Tap the savvy and bond board members and staff so they become part of the solution
13. Make us a role model and "way-shower" for other organizations
14. Build donor trust so they can open their minds, hearts and checkbooks
15. Make it easier to attract and keep top board members
16. Allow us to conduct our own due diligence before someone does it for us
17. Deliver predictability and transparency so everyone knows where the money is going and how dollar allocation decisions are made.

Caveat: "If you can't afford to hear the answer . . . don't ask the question." Before conducting a self- audit, ask yourself, "Can we afford to hear the answer and then will we commit the resources to make essential changes?" If not, you may want to delay self-auditing until a later date. Asking for feedback and not acting on any of it can irrevocably alienate those who complete the audit.

Next Steps

So what are the forces in your organization that would be "drivers" for a positive self-audit process? How will you mobilize the "drivers"? What are the "blocks" that you will need to honor and take into account? How will you mobilize the drivers and address the "blocks"? Use the template below to focus your efforts.

Analysis of Self-Audit Drivers and Blocks

Drivers	Blocks	Driver Mobilizers	Block Removers
Example: Requested by board	Example: Fear of loss of donors	Example: Ask board who they else they want to invite to participate	Example: Involve key donors in the self-audit design and review of results

Your Self-Audit Implementation Steps

Action		By When By Whom	Status	Outcome
1.
2.
3.
4.

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