Boards play a key role in helping nonprofits achieve their mission. They guide strategy, ensure accountability, and help nonprofits stay true to their mission. However, even the most dedicated boards benefit from reflection and structured evaluation.
Our nonprofit board evaluation template makes this process simple and actionable. It provides a clear framework for performance reviews, helping identify strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and outline concrete steps toward stronger, more effective board leadership.
Why nonprofit board evaluation matters
Self-assessment is key to improving board governance. A structured evaluation helps board members honestly reflect on their contributions, work toward shared goals, and ensure accountability across the organization.
Many nonprofit boards struggle with challenges such as unclear roles, inconsistent engagement, or gaps in strategic oversight. Using a nonprofit board self-assessment template helps address these common issues by providing a clear framework for reflection and discussion.
Regular evaluations enhance transparency and align everyone with the organization’s mission. They equip boards with insights to boost effectiveness, teamwork, and decision-making.
What the nonprofit board evaluation template provides
This downloadable template is designed for simplicity and practical use. Inside, you’ll find:
- Board composition assessment
- Decision-making processes evaluation
- Transparency and accountability review
- Risk management analysis
- Board dynamics and collaboration review
- Performance against governance standards review
- Action plan and recommendations framework
Our customizable template is available in PDF and .docx formats. It’s a ready-to-use tool that facilitates straightforward and actionable evaluations.
Who most benefits from our template?
This nonprofit board self-assessment questionnaire is ideal for the following groups:
- Board Chairs who want to improve how the board works
- Governance committees in charge of board oversight
- Executive directors looking to align the board with the nonprofit’s mission
- Board members who want to help the board grow and improve
- Nonprofits of all sizes and types wanting better board self-assessments
- New boards building strong governance habits
- Experienced boards aiming to refresh their evaluation process
Whether newly established or long-standing, boards can use this evaluation tool to drive continuous improvement.
How to use the nonprofit board evaluation template
Carrying out the evaluation is simple.
- Distribute the survey. Have all board members complete the survey questions individually to gather a wide range of views.
- Choose a response method. Decide if responses will be anonymous or if you will facilitate a group session to discuss answers collectively.
- Collect and compile results. Gather all completed surveys and compile the data into a comprehensive board evaluation report to identify key trends, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Share findings. Present the report during a dedicated board meeting to encourage open discussion, transparency, and shared understanding among members.
- Set improvement goals. Based on the evaluation insights, agree on clear, actionable goals for board development.
- Create an action plan. Assign responsibilities and deadlines to ensure follow-through on agreed improvements.
- Review regularly. Revisit the evaluation results and progress at regular intervals to maintain accountability and foster continuous board growth.
Download the nonprofit board evaluation template
We tailored our nonprofit board self-assessment template for mission-driven organizations. It’s simple, easy to customize, and built for any-sized board. The template encourages thoughtful reflection, practical action, and better alignment with your nonprofit’s goals.
Use it to conduct structured board self-assessments, generate meaningful reports, and strengthen overall board performance. Whether assessing board engagement, strategic contributions, or team dynamics, this tool transforms evaluation into actionable improvement.
Download your free nonprofit board evaluation template to strengthen board effectiveness.