Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment
Annual governance self-assessment helps boards identify strengths and improvement areas. Strong governance is increasingly scrutinized by the IRS, state regulators, foundations, and sophisticated donors. This assessment covers all major governance dimensions.
- Industry: Nonprofit
- Frequency: Annually
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Role: Board Chair / Governance Committee
- Total Items: 28
Board Composition and Diversity
Assess board composition and diversity.
- Board skills matrix identifies gaps in needed expertise?
- Board reflects diversity of communities served?
- Board succession planning process in place for key roles?
- Independent directors constitute a majority of the board?
- Beneficiary or community voice represented on board?
Meeting Effectiveness
Assess board meeting quality.
- Average board meeting attendance above 75%?
- Board meetings focused on strategic issues rather than operational detail?
- Meeting materials consistently distributed at least 5 days in advance?
- Consent agenda used to streamline routine approvals?
- Minutes accurately and promptly document decisions and votes?
Financial Oversight
Assess financial oversight quality.
- Board regularly reviews financial statements and asks substantive questions?
- Audit committee or equivalent oversight for financial review/audit in place?
- Board approves annual budget before fiscal year begins?
- Board-approved operating reserves policy in place?
- Investment policy governing endowment or long-term investments adopted?
Strategic Leadership
Assess strategic leadership effectiveness.
- Current strategic plan guides organizational priorities?
- Programs periodically evaluated against mission and strategic plan?
- Board-CEO partnership is clear, productive, and well-defined?
- Board engaged in appropriate organizational advocacy and community leadership?
Accountability and Transparency
Assess accountability and transparency practices.
- Form 990 reviewed by board or committee before filing?
- Annual report or public accountability report produced?
- Form 990 publicly posted on website or available on request?
- Organizational performance measured against key metrics?
Board Engagement and Culture
Assess board engagement quality.
- Board members actively engaged beyond attending meetings?
- 100% of board members contribute financially and participate in fundraising?
- Board engages in regular education on governance and relevant issues?
- Board culture encourages open dialogue, dissent, and diverse perspectives?
- Self-assessment results incorporated into board improvement planning?
Related Nonprofit Checklists
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review
- Nonprofit Executive Succession Planning and Emergency Preparedness
- Nonprofit Volunteer Onboarding and Orientation Checklist
- Nonprofit Grant Tracking and Fund Accounting Ledger Review
- Nonprofit Donor Receipt and Acknowledgment Compliance Audit
- Nonprofit Annual Audit Readiness Review
Related Governance Compliance Checklists
- Nonprofit Board Meeting Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Bylaws Annual Review and Compliance Audit - FREE Download
- IRS Form 990 Annual Filing Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- State Charitable Registration and Renewal Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Executive Director Annual Performance Review - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Process - FREE Download
- New Nonprofit Board Member Orientation Checklist - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Whistleblower Policy Compliance and Implementation Review - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Annual Reporting and Compliance Calendar Audit - FREE Download
- Nonprofit Document Retention Policy Compliance Review - FREE Download
Why Use This Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment?
This nonprofit board governance self-assessment helps nonprofit teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for board chair / governance committee professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment cover?
This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 6 sections: Board Composition and Diversity, Meeting Effectiveness, Financial Oversight, Strategic Leadership, Accountability and Transparency, Board Engagement and Culture. It is designed for nonprofit operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Who should use this Nonprofit Board Governance Self-Assessment?
This checklist is designed for Board Chair / Governance Committee professionals in the nonprofit industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.