How Effective Is Your Organization?

La Piana Consulting provides organizational assessments, either directly for our nonprofit partners or on behalf of funders. For example, a nonprofit or funder may perceive a need for improved effectiveness, but need an outside expert assessment in order to identify the specific issues and their solutions. Or, as is increasingly the case, nonprofits may seek objective assessment of their organizational and program capacity so they can better support their strategies with operational strengths.

Our organizational assessments often begin with a self-assessment survey of staff and board, and are supplemented with qualitative research. Areas assessed include:

• Governance
• Financial Management
• Human Resource Management
• Fundraising
• Communications
• Strategic Thinking and Acting
• Outcome Measurement
• Organizational Culture

We strive to help nonprofits improve their effectiveness by assessing their management functions, as well as the impact of their programs. We work with clients to build their capacity to perform objective self-assessment, and ultimately, to advance their missions. Our approach is a practical one that is participatory and customized to the client's needs. It is designed to expedite the identification and implementation of needed improvements – or strengths that should be preserved and enhanced.

Our practical assessment results in concise, action-oriented information that identifies areas, both in management functions and program design and delivery, for board and management’s attention. We also provide support in making those needed, high-impact changes. We provide specific recommendations for improved effectiveness. Additionally, through this process we support our clients in building their capacity for self-assessment and ongoing improvement.