The Key to Effective Nonprofit Leadership

Are you looking for ways to increase the effectiveness of your nonprofit board and create a greater impact for your organization’s mission? Implementing regular board self-assessments is one of the most powerful steps your nonprofit can take to ensure continuous improvement, accountability, and strategic alignment. A thoughtful self-assessment allows the board to take stock and identify areas where the members believe their processes and activities are effective and where improvement is needed.

If you are struggling with your Board, it may seem impossible to imagine them being deeply invested in assessing their own performance. With so many tools and templates available persuading your Board to conduct an annual self-assessment has never been easier.  In this blog post, we explore how nonprofit board self-assessments can transform governance, the best practices for conducting one, and how your board can get started today.

Why Nonprofit Board Self-Assessments Matter

A high-performing board is essential to nonprofit success. Annual self-assessments are the best practice for nonprofit boards, providing the opportunity to objectively review performance—both individually and as a collective. Without direct oversight, boards must hold themselves accountable, and a structured self-assessment is the most effective way to identify strengths, surface areas for improvement, and renew commitment to effective governance.

Planning for a Board Self-Assessment

For a board self-assessment to be impactful, it should be built into your annual board calendar. Typically, the governance or nominating committee leads this initiative. Remember, it is impossible to conduct an objective board self-assessment if the members do not know the expectation of serving on a nonprofit board of directors. The self-assessment process  has to begin the moment a new board member accepts a vacant board seat and is part of their on-boarding process.

Choosing the Right Board Self-Assessment Tools

There are multiple free and paid templates available that are specifically designed for nonprofit organizations. Notable resources include:

• The Nonprofit Sector Leadership Program College of Continuing Education at Dalhousie University
• Stanford Law School Clinic Stan
• Governing Good
• The National Council on Nonprofits provides links to a number of free assessment tools as well as tools available for a nominal fee

Boards can also create their own assessment.  While a bit more time consuming a custom self-assessment allows the board to focus on the specific and unique issues facing the organization and the board.

What Should a Board Self-Assessment Cover?

Effective board self-assessment templates typically include questions about:

• Alignment with the organization’s strategic plan or core goals
• Efficiency of meeting agendas
• Discussion of external challenges and opportunities
• Regular reviews of governance documents (i.e., by-laws, committee descriptions)
• Communication with stakeholders
• Clarity of board members’ roles and expectations
• Preparedness for meetings and follow-through on commitments
• Inclusion of diverse viewpoints
• Relationship with the organization’s leadership
• Participation in fundraising activities

Choose an assessment that matches the size and complexity of your board to maximize participation and honest feedback.

Five Ways Board Self-Assessments Enhance Governance

1. Improvement and Growth: Self-assessments reveal strengths and identify gaps, enabling targeted development and more effective board performance. Boards can use the results to develop action plans, set goals, and implement strategies to enhance their effectiveness.
2. Accountability: Regular evaluation ensures board members remain accountable to each other and the organization, driving proactive improvement. When board members are aware of their individual and collective performance, they are more likely to be proactive in addressing issues and committing to improvement. 
3. Strategic Alignment: Assessments ensure the board’s actions and decisions are mission-driven and strategically focused for long-term impact. A well-conducted self-assessment can lead to more effective decision-making by ensuring that the board operates with a clear understanding of its roles, responsibilities, and capabilities. This alignment is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of the organization.
4. Skill Development: Results highlight where additional training or support is needed, allowing for customized board development plans. This can lead to targeted training and development opportunities, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the board. For example, a self-assessment might reveal that the board excels at strategic planning but struggles with effective communication among members
5. Enhanced Collaboration: The process fosters honest communication, stronger relationships, and a collaborative board culture. It can also improve board dynamics, communication, and collaboration among members, leading to a culture of collaboration and teamwork, which is vital for addressing challenges and making informed decisions.

Tips for Successful Board Self-Assessments

• Use nonprofit-specific tools rather than generic corporate assessments.
• Customize questions to reflect your organization’s unique needs.
• Encourage open, honest feedback and ensure confidentiality when appropriate.
• Discuss results as a group and develop concrete action plans for improvement.

Take Action: Boost Your Board’s Effectiveness Today

Adding an annual board self-assessment to your governance calendar can have far-reaching positive effects for your board and organization. The insights gained can drive improvement, accountability, and mission alignment—helping your nonprofit achieve greater impact.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a 90-minute board strategy session to tackle your biggest challenges and unlock your board’s full potential. Let’s work together to build a more engaged, effective, and impactful leadership team for your nonprofit.