Checklist for Accountability

Test Your Organization's Accountability IQ

Do a quick assessment of your accountability practices, giving your organization one point for every "yes" answer. Scores are shown at the end.

Does your organization:

1. Hold staff and board trainings on ethics or take other measures to foster a culture of accountability and transparency?
2. Have a code of ethics and statement of values and post it on your website?
3. Follow a conflict of interest policy and post it on your website?
4. Have board members with financial expertise?
5. Have its financial statements independently audited?
6. Have board members review financial statements, including the Form 990?
7. Have your CEO or CFO sign the Form 990?
8. File your Form 990 electronically?
9. Post your Form 990 on your website?
10. Post your policies, financial information, and information on programs and results on your website?
11. Have a whistleblower policy?
12. Take steps to remain current with the law?

If your organization scores:

12: Great, keep it up and pass along your success stories and model policies for others to learn from.
9-11: Good, but there’s room for improvement.
6-8: You’ve indicated a commitment to accountability but need to advance beyond the basics.
0-5: Time to get serious about accountability. Engage your board, staff, and volunteers quickly to help make the needed changes.