NONPROFIT CAPACITY
ASSESSMENT PARTNERSHIP

consultants

In 2024, the Nonprofit Capacity Assessment Partnership (NCAP), in collaboration with the Nonprofit Management Fund, created a Next Generation organizational assessment and a trained cohort of 13 consultants to conduct these assessments.

What is the NCAP Organizational Assessment?

An organizational assessment is a systematic review of an organization's structure, processes, management, and work environment so an organization may determine its current state of health and have a capacity-building plan. The report includes affirmation of strengths as well as priorities and recommendations for improvements.

A frequent barrier for nonprofits applying for capacity-building support is choosing a single project focus, considering there can be multiple and complex issues involved. Based on Fund applicant feedback the value of identifying, and ranking organizational priorities is highly valued.

This assessment is rooted in both past experience (over 125 assessments with local nonprofits), best practice theory and framework, beta testing and the Nonprofit Lifecycle Institute’s stage-based capacity building. It also included a review of state standards for nonprofits in Minnesota, Colorado and Maryland and research based on a 2017 Hewlett-Packard Foundation report on assessments.

The assessment covers up to 10 areas of management, governance and operations. Each process and report is tailored to the individual nonprofit, including the expressed priorities of leadership. The process includes surveys that provide an opportunity for all key stakeholders to participate. In addition to surveys, there are various interviews, meeting observations, a thorough review of key organizational documents, an analysis of key findings and a summary report delivered to the Board.

The new Consultant cohort has been trained, and a Next Generation NCAP organizational assessment was launched in 2024. The assessment leaders trained by NCAP also have earned a Certificate in Organizational Assessment from Portland State University and are also certified as Facilitators by the highly regarded Nonprofit Lifecycle Institute.

What are the benefits?

Organizational assessments help leaders make informed decisions on critical priorities and the setting of realistic and achievable goals related to capacity-building. By evaluating the organization's capabilities, resources, and challenges, the organization can determine what is achievable and how they can align their capacity-building goals with their strategic priorities.

How can local organizations fund an organizational assessment?

Nonprofit organizations in the Greater Milwaukee area who are interested in applying for capacity-building technical assistance mini-grants can visit the Nonprofit Management Fund’s website for more details and to access the grant application. Organizational assessments are included under the NMF's funding priorities.

Below you will find a list of endorsed NCAP providers. Click the links below to contact them directly.