There are several basic activities which a nonprofit organization can conduct to dramatically reduce its chances of experiencing a catastrophic event that ruins or severely impairs the organization. Conducting a Risk Management Assessment Organizations should regularly undertake comprehensive, focused assessment of potential risks to the organization. This focused assessment should occur at least twice a year by a team of staff members representing all the major functions of the organization. The assessment should be carefully planned, documented and methodically carried out. The most common risks are typically of the types listed below.
Comprehensive checklists help a great deal to quickly review a wide range of organizational aspects.
Other aspects require more careful review. Checklists in the following sections cover almost 140 considerations to ensure a well run and highly protected organization. For example, a fully attentive board with a wide range of skills may be the most important guard against major threats to an organization. Also reference Basic Evaluation of the Board. Careful strategic planning and effective supervision helps ensure organizational resources are closely aligned to accomplishing the organization's mission, and that staff and volunteers are treated fairly and comply with rules and regulations.