The Portable COO invites you to . . .

© Anne Lee & Karen Mathieson / The Portable COO

CHECK YOUR NONPROFIT KNOW-HOW

FINANCE FUNDAMENTALS

We have clear fiscal policies in place.

We have an established Finance Committee.

We have developed and consistently use a financial dashboard.

We maintain a good balance between restricted and unrestricted funds.

We rely on excellent cash management practices.

We have guidelines for budget development and implementation.

We know which programs are mission-critical, and their cost.

Metrics guide the implementation of our plans.

We give funders accurate, needed financial information.

We conduct an annual review of bank services and relationships.

We have a financial review or audit at least every two years.

FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY

We have aligned our financial and strategic plans.

We manage costs with great care.

If we have to, we know just where to cut costs by 10% or more.

We have a three-month unrestricted operating cash reserve.

We hunt for low and no-cost ways to strengthen our organization.

We have prioritized development of earned-revenue opportunities.

We project the results of any earned-revenue opportunities we identify.

We have implemented at least one earned-revenue opportunity.

We conduct an annual analysis of activities measured against financial results.

The Portable COO / Check Your Nonprofit Know-How / 2

© Anne Lee & Karen Mathieson / The Portable COO

OPERATING SYSTEMS

We have taken steps to make our operations as simple as possible.

We have identified and resolved any operational inefficiencies.

We have analyzed the organization’s wage and salary structure.

We have determined our market position for recruitment and employment.

We have developed a Value of Compensation statement for staff members.

We have performance review processes, forms, procedures and training.

We annually align job descriptions with program delivery and operational needs.

We conduct an annual employee benefits analysis.

We track on all legal requirements related to employment, and follow them.

We retain records in line with legal requirements and organization needs.

ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT

Interactions among staff, leaders and volunteers are respectful and inclusive.

Internal communications are clear, effective and appropriate.

We provide staff with support such as coaching and learning events.

We have closed any skills and knowledge gaps on the leadership team.

Our organization is focused and clear about the delivery of its mission.

People in our organization have internalized its vision and core values.

We have identified the people (including volunteers) crucial to our success.

We are good stewards of external relationships crucial to mission delivery.

We benefit greatly from the talents and connections of the Board of Directors.

We have succession plans in place for staff, leaders and super-volunteers.

We manage transitions well at the executive level, with minimal disruption.

The Portable COO / Check Your Nonprofit Know-How / 3

© Anne Lee & Karen Mathieson / The Portable COO

RISK MANAGEMENT

We know how much organizational revenue is secure, and how much is at risk.

We have contingency plans for programmatic and operational needs.

We have identified triggers that will set contingency plans in motion.

We have addressed safety issues, including disaster readiness and recovery.

We conduct training to prepare our staff for identified emergencies.

We are prepared to handle each of the risks for which we are liable.

We have an external communications plan to address specific scenarios.

We have protocols to ensure important data is backed up and secure.

We have training and documentation for risk management protocols.

CURRENT OPERATIONAL KNOW-HOW AT OUR NONPROFIT

We have strengths in the areas of . . .

We have knowledge or skill gaps in the areas of . . .

A top operational priority for us would be to . . .

If we implemented this change, it would help us fulfill our mission because . . .

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