Organizational Capacity Assessment

Purpose of the Assessment

This organizational assessment aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your organization's capacity across multiple domains. By examining your leadership, management, community engagement, service delivery, and evaluative capacities, you will gain insights into your strengths and identify areas for improvement or strengthening. This assessment can be used to to develop strategies to enhance the organization's overall effectiveness and impact.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this organizational assessment are to:

1. Provide a detailed and holistic picture of the organization's current state.

2. Identify strengths that can be leveraged to enhance performance.

3. Highlight weaknesses and areas for improvement.

4. Uncover opportunities for growth and development.

5. Identify potential threats and risks to the organization.

6. Offer actionable recommendations to guide strategic planning and decision-making.

When to Complete

We recommend that organizational leaders complete an assessment at the beginning of their capacity-building initiatives and again at the end of the grant term to evaluate progress and measure growth.

Assessment Versions

There are three versions. Select then one that aligns with your organizational needs.

1. Full Version: Designed for larger or mature organizations with complex structures and advanced operational needs. This comprehensive assessment covers all domains in detail, providing an in-depth analysis of leadership, management, community engagement, service delivery, and evaluative capacity. It is ideal for organizations that have established systems and processes and are looking for a thorough evaluation to drive strategic improvements.

2. Intermediate Version: Suitable for mid-sized organizations that are in a growth phase or have some established systems but still face significant capacity-building challenges. This version covers the key areas necessary for effective organizational development, offering a balanced approach that addresses both strategic and operational aspects. It provides a detailed yet manageable assessment for organizations aiming to scale their impact.

3. Basic Version: Intended for small or emerging organizations that are in the early stages of development. This streamlined assessment focuses on the fundamental areas of capacity building, providing essential insights without overwhelming the organization. It is perfect for organizations that are just starting out or have limited resources, helping them to identify critical areas for growth and foundational improvements.

Scope

The assessment is structured around five key domains, each encompassing various critical aspects of the organization. The primary sections include:

• Organizational Profile: Overview of the organization's history, mission, and key characteristics.

• Domain 1: Leadership Capacity

  • 1.1 Leadership & Governance: Evaluation of leadership effectiveness and governance structures.

  • 1.2 Mission and Values: Assessment of mission alignment and core values.

  • 1.3 Culture and Environment: Analysis of organizational culture and work environment.

  • 1.4 Strategy and Planning: Review of strategic planning processes and implementation.

  • Leadership Capacity Section Reflection: Summary and analysis of findings within this domain.

• Domain 2: Management and Operations Capacity

  • 2.1 Financial Management: Examination of financial health and management practices.

  • 2.2 Human Resources and Administration: Evaluation of HR practices and administrative efficiency.

  • 2.3 Technical Skills and Knowledge: Assessment of staff competencies and technical expertise.

  • 2.4 Infrastructure and Information Technology: Review of IT infrastructure and support systems.

  • Management and Operations Capacity Section Reflection: Summary and analysis of findings within this domain.

• Domain 3: Community Engagement Capacity

  • 3.1 Fund Development: Analysis of fundraising strategies and effectiveness.

  • 3.2 Communications, Networking, and Advocacy: Evaluation of external communications and advocacy efforts.

  • 3.3 Volunteer Management: Assessment of volunteer recruitment, retention, and management.

  • 3.4 Community Partnerships and Ownership: Review of community partnerships and stakeholder engagement.

  • Community Engagement Capacity Section Reflection: Summary and analysis of findings within this domain.

• Domain 4: Service Capacity

  • 4.1 Project Design: Evaluation of project design processes and innovation.

  • 4.2 Program / Service Implementation: Assessment of program execution and service delivery.

  • 4.3 Program / Service Management: Review of program management and oversight.

  • Service Capacity Section Reflection: Summary and analysis of findings within this domain.

• Domain 5: Evaluative Capacity

  • 5.1 Evaluation Planning: Examination of evaluation planning and frameworks.

  • 5.2 Data Collection: Review of data collection methods and tools.

  • 5.3 Measuring Outcomes and Impact: Assessment of outcome measurement and impact analysis.

  • 5.4 Learning and Continuous Improvement: Evaluation of continuous improvement practices.

  • Evaluative Capacity Section Reflection: Summary and analysis of findings within this domain.

• Overall Reflection: A comprehensive summary of key insights and overarching themes derived from the entire assessment.