Board Self-Assessment

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Quiz Questions

1.
Does the board have a clear understanding of the organization's mission and purpose?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
2.
Does the board understand the organization’s values?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
3.
Are values lived both internally and externally?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
4.
Does the board actively work to support and advance the organization's mission and purpose?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
5.
Does the board regularly review and assess the organization's mission and purpose?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Rarely
- C.
  No
6.
Does the board have clearly defined roles and responsibilities? Does the board understand how its roles and responsibilities differ from that of the executive or from staff?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
7.
Does the board actively engage in setting strategy and engaging in decision-making?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
8.
Does the board discuss strategy on a continual basis?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
9.
Does the board provide oversight and accountability for the organization's operations?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
10.
Does the board assess the executive?
- A.
  Yes, annually
- B.
  Yes, every few years
- C.
  No, not that I can recall
11.
Does the board engage in self-assessments?
- A.
  Yes, annually
- B.
  Yes, every few years
- C.
  No, not that I can recall
12.
Does the board engage in fundraising?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
13.
Does the board hold regular board meetings?
- A.
  Yes (scheduled monthly or quarterly)
- B.
  Somewhat (every few months, twice a year, whenever we need)
- C.
  No
14.
Does the board follow a set of meeting norms to guide board meeting conversations?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat (when it comes up)
- C.
  No
15.
Does the board communicate effectively with each other, the executive, and stakeholders?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
16.
Does the board receive regular updates and reports on the organization's activities and performance?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
17.
Do board members serve as ambassadors for the community?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
18.
Do board members attend community events as representatives of the organization?
- A.
  Yes, often
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No, never
19.
Are your board of directors listed on the website and other public materials?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No
20.
Do board members actively share information about the board with their networks/and or on social media?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat (some do, some don't)
- C.
  No
21.
Does the board have a clear understanding of the organization's financial situation?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Somewhat
- C.
  No
22.
Does the board actively monitor the organization's finances and budget?
- A.
  Yes, every meeting
- B.
  Somewhat, when we ask
- C.
  No, never
23.
Does the board ensure that the organization's financial practices are transparent and ethical?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  I'm not sure
- C.
  No
24.
Does the board have a diverse and representative membership?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  We could be better
- C.
  No
25.
Does the board actively seek out and recruit new members with skills and expertise that complement the existing board?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Sometimes
- C.
  No
26.
Does the board provide opportunities for board members to develop their skills and knowledge?
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  Yes, only if we specifically ask
- C.
  No
27.
Does the board include members from the community it serves? (e.g., for an educational organization, does the board have teachers on its board?)
- A.
  Yes
- B.
  No

Quiz Outcomes

1.
Strong and Engaged Board
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Congratulations! Your assessment shows that you are a strong and engaged board. You meet regularly, have knowledge of the organization's financial situation, have a well-rounded and diverse board, and are clear on the mission and strategy. Well done!
2.
Adequate, But Could Be Better
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Your board is doing an adequate job of governance. You have the basics down, but could use a little bit more engagement to be better informed. Keep learning and growing, and soon you'll be on your way to being a strong and engaged board.
3.
Needs Improvement
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Your board could use some TLC! Review the results with the full board and talk about areas you can improve: board makeup, fundraising acumen, mission and strategy clarity, understanding of your financial position.