Importance of annual organization evaluation
Many people set resolutions in the new year. Typically these are the result of a lifestyle evaluation. If you resolve to eat better, it’s probably because you have evaluated your lifestyle and determined you’ve been enjoying too much junk food. If you resolve to spend less money, it’s probably because you’ve evaluated your budget and the numbers don’t add up right. If you resolve to work on a new hobby, it’s probably because you’ve evaluated your leisure time and feel like a new hobby might improve it. And if you want your resolution to be effective, you must evaluate your progress during the year. Resolving to make a change, or knowing what you should be doing, is quite different than achieving that goal.
Similarly, your organization has goals. You have a mission – this is your big goal. Regular organizational evaluation can help you determine if your programs are getting you to your mission and where you might have gaps to fill. Evaluation should be an ongoing management and learning tool to improve your organization.
The Dekko Foundation created the Start Where You Are Bar. This tool is designed to ask some very basic questions and determine where you currently at as an organization, and help you decide where your areas of focus should be.
This tool is adapted from the Dekko Foundation’s Start Where You Are Bar. The Dekko Foundation, based in Kendallville, Indiana, focuses on Economic Freedom through good child development. They serve several counties in Indiana, Alabama, Iowa, and Minnesota, but their tools and resources are available publicly.
After you complete the tool, take some time to reflect on the following:
What surprised you?
In what areas were you strong?
In what areas were you weak?
What are one or two action items you can do soon to improve your weakest areas?
Meet the Author: Kallie Sulanke
Kallie is the Community Engagement Officer at The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County. Kallie serves as the Foundation's storyteller to increase public awareness of the good works of the Foundation. She also assists with asset development functions of the Foundation and supports nonprofit organizations in the community as they look for opportunities to build sustainability.
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