Questions to Ask Nonprofit Organizations
Important questions to ask nonprofit organizations to understand their mission, impact, financial health, and ensure your support or involvement aligns with your values.
1What is your organization's mission and how do you measure your impact?
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What is your organization's mission and how do you measure your impact?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the organization's purpose and ensures their mission aligns with your values and interests.
2How do you use donations and what percentage goes directly to programs?
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How do you use donations and what percentage goes directly to programs?
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Why this works
Ensures transparency about fund usage and helps you understand how much of your contribution actually supports the cause versus administrative costs.
3What are your organization's biggest challenges and how are you addressing them?
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What are your organization's biggest challenges and how are you addressing them?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's self-awareness and helps you understand the context and obstacles they're working to overcome.
4How do you ensure accountability and transparency in your operations?
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How do you ensure accountability and transparency in your operations?
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Why this works
Demonstrates the organization's commitment to good governance and helps you assess their credibility and trustworthiness.
5What volunteer opportunities are available and what's the time commitment?
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What volunteer opportunities are available and what's the time commitment?
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Why this works
Helps you understand how you can get involved and whether the opportunities fit with your schedule and interests.
6How do you measure the success of your programs and services?
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How do you measure the success of your programs and services?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's commitment to results and helps you understand how they evaluate and improve their impact.
7What partnerships do you have with other organizations or government agencies?
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What partnerships do you have with other organizations or government agencies?
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Why this works
Reveals the organization's network and collaborative approach, which can indicate their effectiveness and reach.
8How do you engage with the community you serve?
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How do you engage with the community you serve?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's approach to community involvement and helps you understand how they work with their beneficiaries.
9What are your organization's long-term goals and strategic priorities?
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What are your organization's long-term goals and strategic priorities?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the organization's vision and whether their future direction aligns with your interests and values.
10How do you handle feedback from donors, volunteers, and community members?
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How do you handle feedback from donors, volunteers, and community members?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's responsiveness and commitment to continuous improvement and community input.
11What professional development opportunities are available for staff and volunteers?
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What professional development opportunities are available for staff and volunteers?
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Why this works
Demonstrates the organization's investment in people and helps you understand the learning and growth opportunities available.
12How do you ensure diversity and inclusion in your organization?
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How do you ensure diversity and inclusion in your organization?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's commitment to equity and helps you understand their approach to creating an inclusive environment.
13What are the biggest risks facing your organization and how do you manage them?
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What are the biggest risks facing your organization and how do you manage them?
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Why this works
Demonstrates the organization's risk awareness and helps you understand their approach to sustainability and resilience.
14How do you communicate with supporters and keep them informed about your work?
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How do you communicate with supporters and keep them informed about your work?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's communication approach and helps you understand how you'll stay connected to their work.
15What role do board members play in your organization?
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What role do board members play in your organization?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the governance structure and the level of board involvement in organizational decisions.
16How do you handle conflicts of interest and ethical issues?
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How do you handle conflicts of interest and ethical issues?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's commitment to ethical practices and helps you understand their approach to handling difficult situations.
17What opportunities are there for supporters to get more deeply involved?
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What opportunities are there for supporters to get more deeply involved?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the different levels of involvement available and how you can increase your engagement over time.
18How do you ensure your programs are culturally appropriate and accessible?
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How do you ensure your programs are culturally appropriate and accessible?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's commitment to equity and helps you understand their approach to serving diverse communities.
19What are your organization's biggest successes and what made them possible?
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What are your organization's biggest successes and what made them possible?
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Why this works
Helps you understand what the organization does well and what factors contribute to their success.
20How do you plan to sustain and grow your impact in the future?
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How do you plan to sustain and grow your impact in the future?
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Why this works
Shows the organization's long-term thinking and helps you understand their approach to sustainability and growth.
Best Practices for Engaging with Nonprofit Organizations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Before Engaging
Look into the organization's website, annual reports, and third-party evaluations before asking questions. This shows you've done your homework and allows you to ask more informed questions.
Ask About Impact, Not Just Activities
Focus on understanding the organization's impact and results, not just what they do. This helps you assess their effectiveness and value.
Understand the Full Picture
Ask about challenges, risks, and areas for improvement, not just successes. This gives you a more complete understanding of the organization.
Question Sequences
The Impact Assessment Sequence
The Transparency and Accountability Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Overhead
While administrative costs are important, don't make them the only factor. Focus on impact, effectiveness, and transparency rather than just overhead ratios.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
If an organization is evasive about questions, has poor transparency, or seems unprofessional, consider it a warning sign about their credibility.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume all nonprofits operate the same way. Each organization has its own approach, culture, and challenges.