EIGHT CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ACCOUNTABLE NONPROFIT
Accountability has become a major factor in the way grant makers, donors, regulators
and other stakeholders assess nonprofit organizations. This checklist will help identify
the accountability gaps to be addressed in your organization. The hallmarks of an
accountable organization have been grouped into: mission, evaluation, openness,
governance, ethics, compliance, stewardship, and engagement.
Following is a checklist to ensure each of the characteristics is present and realized:
Mission
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Makes mission achievement the basis of all decisions
Aligns resources for mission achievement
Engages in strategic and other planning for mission achievement
Evaluation
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Regularly evaluates the board as a group and individual directors for effectiveness
in achieving mission and predetermined objectives/success measures/outcomes
Regularly evaluates ED (ED evaluates staff) for effectiveness in achieving mission
and predetermined objectives/success measures/outcomes
Regularly evaluates organization and programs for effectiveness in achieving
mission and predetermined objectives/success measures/outcomes
Strives for quality and excellence in all aspects of the organization
Openness
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Is accessible and responsive to its publics
Freely and accurately discloses information about its governance, finances and
operations
Ensures protection of personal privacy where appropriate
Governance
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Has strong board, and strong senior staff if applicable
Has clarity in leadership roles, responsibilities and relationships
Does ongoing board development and reviews of board operations
Ethics
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Uses its defined values/principles to guide decision-making
Operates with integrity, for the public good and with respect for diversity
Adopts and monitors adherence to generally accepted ethics codes relevant to its
sector and nature of work, including fundraising where applicable
Avoids conflicts of interest when possible and consistently applies its conflict of
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interest policies
Provides an ethical workplace for staff and volunteers and ethical treatment of
clients and supporters
Compliance
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Regularly monitors adherence to applicable laws, regulations and bylaws
Watches for changes in legal requirements
Keeps bylaws current
Stewardship
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Maintains appropriate insurance, internal controls, risk management plans and
asset security
Takes action to build and protect its reputation and public trust in the sector
Engagement
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Involves stakeholders in planning and evaluations
Forms partnerships and relationships
Educates the public
Provides input to public policy when appropriate
Participates in and supports directly related organizations operating at
jurisdictions above and below in scope (local, provincial, national, international)
Meeting the Accountability Checklist requires a partnership between the Board and
Executive Director to provide a framework of accountability policies, procedures in the
organization, and a culture of accountability throughout the daily practices of the
organization.
Jane Garthson, Principal Consultant, Mills Garthson & Associates, Strengthening Canada's
Voluntary Sector through enhanced leadership & ethics, 416/512-6765,
jane@millsgarthson,ca, www.millsgarthson.ca
From:
CF eNews© February 15, 2001
Published by The Hilborn Group Ltd