Resource library · free toolkits, templates and guides

The practical library for people who build nonprofits

211 really practical toolkits, templates and guides for nonprofit and NGO leaders, and the consultants and funders who support them. A mix of the classics and newer methods.

Suggestions are welcome

211 resources · 15 topics · 137 publishers · 197 free to use

Search and filter all 211 resources

7 resources found

  • Search: governance assessment tool
  • 3.4C038

    Oak Foundation Governance Assessment Tool

    A framework for assessing the practices and processes of a grantee's governing body. Oak programme officers use it during due diligence and through the grant to give boards a consistent assessment, to discuss with grantees what an effective board looks like and to track governance over time. It also helps programme officers spot where capacity-building support would help and orients new staff to Oak's view of good governance.

    ClassicTool or templateFree
  • 3.1C033

    Board Governance Toolkit

    A toolkit for the boards and executive leaders of civil society organisations, from the Board Governance Hub of the Nigeria Network of NGOs. It offers practical guidance, self-assessment tools, checklists, templates and recommended actions for organisations setting up governance structures or improving existing ones, including how to work within Nigeria's regulatory requirements. It is free to download after filling in a short form.

    EmergingTool or templateFree with sign-up
  • 3.4C039

    Good Governance: A Health Check

    A board self-assessment tied to the Code of Good Governance (3rd edition) in Northern Ireland. It has 92 questions across 5 principles: understanding the board's role, working as a team, control and risk, integrity, and openness and accountability. Boards rate each item not met, part met or fully met, record evidence against suggested prompts and fill in an action table for each principle with actions, owners and dates.

    Start hereCurrentTool or templateFree
  • 12.3C161

    The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Suitability Toolkit for Nonprofits

    A toolkit that helps nonprofits judge whether an AI or machine learning solution is a good fit before they build, buy or use it. It aims to build in-house ability to assess AI options, anticipate problems and make informed decisions, with attention to transparency, data governance and traceability. It is meant for project managers, developers and system operators in nonprofit organisations.

    CurrentTool or templateFree
  • 8.2C107

    StrongNonprofits Toolkit

    A free set of financial management tools for nonprofit finance staff and leaders. It is organised by topic: budgeting, navigating uncertainty, cash flow, operations, data and analysis, audit readiness, and governance and strategy. Downloads include a financial risk self-assessment, an equity in financial management self-assessment, a financial infrastructure self-assessment and a fiscal management activities calendar in Excel. Short videos from BDO explain equity in the finance function.

    ClassicTool or templateFree
  • 1.2C008

    Bridgespan Organizational Effectiveness Framework survey

    An online team survey on Org360 that runs a Bridgespan-based organisational assessment for nonprofits. It has 85 questions and takes about 34 minutes. Areas include strategic clarity, governance, financial sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion, with rating questions and open reflection questions. Leaders, board members and staff respond, and Org360 produces an automatic report with strengths, gaps and a development plan. It is free to use after sign-up.

    Start hereEmergingTool or templateFree with sign-upNonprofit Builder tool
  • 3.4C040

    Purpose-Driven Board Leadership

    A discussion guide that helps a board apply BoardSource's 4 principles of purpose-driven board leadership: purpose before organisation, respect for the ecosystem, an equity mindset, and authorised voice and power. It offers 3 exercises: discussing a case from the Museum of Us, reviewing the board's most recent major decision against each principle, and working through an upcoming decision together. Boards use it in meetings and retreats.

    CurrentTool or templateFree

Suggestion box

Know a resource we should add?

Know a practical resource we should add, or found a broken link or a mistake? Tell us.

A person reads every message. A title, a link or a few words is enough.

What is it about?
Why is it useful, or what needs fixing? A title or a link alone is fine too.