Capacity benchmarking is one of the most effective methods for determining efficiency and effectiveness for any organization. Every facet and aspect of the nonprofit is examined using measurement tools that contain standards in the areas of accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Participants of this workshop will explore the various areas and facets of nonprofit organization and learn about a variety of methods for determining capacity. Areas addressed in the workshop include: the board of directors, strategic planning, program monitoring, community linkages and partnerships, fundraising, technology, managing staff and volunteers, and financial management.

1. 2nd Annual Conference
September 4, 2013

2. C A N Y O U R N O N P R O F I T G O T H E D I S T A N C E ?
NONPROFIT BENCHMARKING
& CAPACITY BUILDING

3. WHAT IS BENCHMARKING?
Benchmarking is the process of comparing your
organization with other similar organizations in key
capacity areas.
The nonprofit landscape in every community is
extremely competitive and your nonprofit must
compare favorably to others or you may lose clients,
credibility and funding.

4. WHAT IS CAPACITY?
Capacity is everything a nonprofit needs in order to
fulfill its mission that includes:
• Board of Directors
• Strategic Planning and Decision Making
• Program Monitoring
• Community Linkages and Partnerships
• Fundraising and Grant Writing
• Technology
• Managing Staff and Volunteers
• Financial Management

5. WHY DO WE NEED IT?
Private and public funders are increasingly
encouraging nonprofit leaders to assess and improve
capacity and implement capacity building
strategies.
Nonprofits with solid capacity are often funded over
those with weak capacity. Funders want a good
return on their investment (ROI) and demonstrating
your capacity increases funding chances.
Some funders are even providing money specifically
for capacity building over program implementation.

6. HOW TO USE THE INFORMATION
Information from this workshop and the
benchmarking handout can provide a road map for
your nonprofit that can build or enhance your
organizational capacity.
Enhanced capacity positions your nonprofit to gain
funding over other nonprofits and creates information
for future strategic planning.

7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. Board Membership
The board brings the
expertise needed to
represent constituents
and ensure oversight for
proper management

8. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2. Board Operations
and Structure
The board is
informed,
knowledgeable, and
committed to fulfilling
its roles and
responsibilities

9. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
3. Board Role –
Leadership
The board promotes
the organization’s
leadership and
management.

10. STRATEGIC PLANNING
AND DECISION MAKING
1. Organizational
Mission
The organization has a
clear purpose that
guides decisions.

11. STRATEGIC PLANNING
2. Information
Gathering
Strategic plans are
based on relevant
internal and external
information and
circumstances.

12. STRATEGIC PLANNING
3. Setting Goals
The organization
develops
comprehensive annual
and long-range goals
designed to achieve its
mission.

13. STRATEGIC PLANNING
4. Monitoring and
Updating Strategic
Plans
Strategic plan
implementation is
monitored; goals and
strategies are
modified when
appropriate

14. PROGRAM MONITORING
1. Process Evaluation
The organization has a
system to measure whether
activities are implemented
as planned.

15. PROGRAM MONITORING
2. Outcome Measures
The organization has a
system to measure the
results of its programs
and services.

16. PROGRAM MONITORING
3. Program Design
Programs are
designed to further
the mission and
address clearly
defined needs. Data
informs program
modifications.

17. COMMUNITY LINKAGES AND
PARTNERSHIPS
1. Community Linkages
The organization, its
purpose, and its leaders
are known and
welcome in the
community.

18. COMMUNITY LINKAGES AND
PARTNERSHIPS
2. Community
Partnerships
The organization has
established
collaborative
relationships with key
community members
and institutions.

19. FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING
1. Fundraising Plans
Fundraising plans are
designed to increase the
number and types of
funding sources.

20. FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING
2. Individual Donors
Funds are solicited on a
regular basis, not only
during crises.

21. FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING
3. Grant Writing
Grant funding
contributes to a
diversified funding
base.

22. FUNDRAISING & GRANT WRITING
4. Board Strength in
Fundraising
The board raises funds for
the organization.

23. TECHNOLOGY
1. Communication
Technology
Technology supports
internal and external
communications.

24. TECHNOLOGY
2. Hardware and
Software
Technology helps
staff handle
administrative and
program tasks in an
accurate and timely
manner.

25. TECHNOLOGY
3. Technology Skills
Staff know how to
use and understand
technologies’
capabilities.

26. MANAGING STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
1. Performance Goals
and Review
Staff know what to do
and how well they are
meeting expectations.

27. MANAGING STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
2. Staff Management
Staff members have
the support and
guidance they need
to fulfill their job
responsibilities.

28. MANAGING STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
3. Hiring
Hiring practices result
in staff members who
fulfill their job duties in
ways that best
support the
organization’s
mission.

29. MANAGING STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
4. Volunteer
Management
The organization
provides satisfying
volunteer
experiences that add
value to the
organization.

30. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
1. Budgeting
The budget clearly
and accurately
conveys the
organization’s planned
financial status in terms
of anticipated
expenditures and
revenues.

31. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
2. Financial
Recordkeeping
Guidelines and
procedures for
responsible handling
of finances are
written and followed.

32. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
3. Financial Reports
The organization’s
leaders analyze
revenue and
expense activity to
manage the
organization’s
finances.

33. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
4. Financial
Accountability
Internal financial
management
processes are
monitored to prevent
errors and/or misuse
of funds.

34. This project was supported in part by the Governor’s Office for
Children and Families through the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Administration for Children and Families,
Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CFDA
93.590). Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those
of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position
or policies of the Governor’s Office for Children and Families or the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Community Based Child Abuse Prevention and
Treatment Act (CFDA 93.590)."