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Tools/Templates


These tools/forms/templates include those referenced during the workshops as well as others that have been shared and/or requested by specific organizations that could also help others.  Please feel free to download these materials and adjust and use them liberally within your organization(s) as appropriate.

Governance


Best Practices for Boards

This link will take you to a document that is chock full of templates and information to use with your board, including sample policies, info on recruitment, role of board vs. the ED, etc.

From Seattle University's Not-for-Profit Leadership Program:

Additional Resources:

Sample Board Assessments:

Organizational Capacity Building Tool

Social Venture Partners in Seattle shares a tool that helps nonprofit organizations assess their current organizational capacity, prioritize and guide their planning. Because it is a multi-tiered spreadsheet, we're unable to provide it as a simple link. To access it, go to:

  • www.svpseattle.org
  • "About Us"
  • "SVP Model"
  • Read the narrative until you get to the reference: SVP Organizational Capacity-Building Tool and "click" to open the tool.
  • Sherwood Trust Capacity Assessment Guide (pdf)
    Similar to SVP's tool, Sherwood Trust has their version of a Capacity Assessment Guide that will not only provide insights into what non profits need for capacity building but also serves as a checklist for "best practices".
     
  • Board Matrix (pdf)
    As you recruit and seek out board skills, use this tool to help frame both the discussion and the need for board expertise.
  • Board Member Contract Sample (pdf)
    At the April session, the idea of a "contract" was mentioned to highlight individual board member responsibilities as well as outline expectations for board members. This document was shared by an organization currently using this to create clear accountabilities.

Conflict of Interest Samples

In discussing "key" policies, we are attaching two sample policies that you should feel free to review and adapt for your organization. We also have an Annual Disclosure Statement that should be read and signed by all members of your Board.

  • Working with a Consultant  (pdf)
    This document addresses key questions concerning how best to work with a consultant as presented in the September 2010 session.

Legal and Regulatory


PDF Sample Whistle Blower Policy (pdf)

PDF Sample Document Retention Policy (pdf)

Nonprofit Checklist

This PDF Nonprofit Checklist from WAACO (Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations) is an excellent resource for helping all nonprofits, regardless of size, understand their common legal obligations. Their website is  www.waaco.org .

Planning & Strategy


Collaboration

PDF Sample Memorandum of Understanding 

 

Planning

Here are sample documents for the suite of inter-connected plans reviewed by Jan McGowan in the September and October 2010 sessions at the Learning Center.

  • Strategic Planning: Conditions for Success (pdf)
    How do you know whether your nonprofit organization is ready for planning? Here is a list of conditions that should be present prior to an organization initiating a strategic planning effort.

Collaboration

 PDF Collaborative Agreement (pdf) from Kay Sohl of Kay Sohl Consulting.

Finance


Human Resources


Executive Director Evaluation form

Executive Director Sample Position Profile

  • ED Sample Position Profile (xls)-
    Every Board should be providing performance feedback for their ED/CEO. This excellent tool highlights a Position Profile for and Executive Director while integrating that with Core Accountabilities and Goals/Objectives to measure and assess ED performance.