Strategic Growth Readiness Checklist
A Note from Shani
As the founder of Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday Strategies, I work alongside heritage-based and community-rooted organizations to help tell their stories, strengthen their structures, and deepen their impact. This checklist is designed to help cultural nonprofits assess their readiness for growth, compliance, and community-centered sustainability. Whether you’re expanding programs, preparing for fundraising, or simply regrouping after a major shift, I hope this tool sparks helpful reflection and forward movement.
Warmly,
S. Shani Saunders, MSNPL, ML
Founder & Owner
Section 1: Mission, Vision & Identity
◻ Is our mission statement still relevant and clearly articulated?
◻ Can everyone on our team (staff, board, partners) explain what we do and why it matters?
◻ Are our programs and initiatives aligned with our stated mission and vision?
Section 2: Governance & Financial Health
◻ Do we have up-to-date financial policies and clear internal controls?
◻ Is our board diverse, mission-aligned, and actively engaged?
◻ Do we have a plan for board recruitment, development, and onboarding?
◻ Are we meeting compliance requirements (e.g., IRS filings, audits, state regulations)?
◻ Do we have clear policies for financial oversight and transparency?
◻ Is our board composition diverse and representative of our community?
Section 3: Fundraising & Revenue Diversity
◻ Do we have a current fundraising plan with clear goals and timelines?
◻ Are we cultivating relationships with a diverse base of donors, funders, and partners?
◻ Do we have a compelling case for support that connects our mission to measurable impact?
◻ Are we tracking our fundraising performance and adapting accordingly?
Section 4: Community Engagement & Storytelling
◻ Are we documenting and preserving stories in accessible, culturally respectful formats?
◻ Do we regularly gather feedback and input from the communities we serve?
◻ Are we elevating underrepresented voices through our programs and communications?
◻ Do we evaluate how our storytelling aligns with our values and resonates with our audiences?
◻ Do we know whose stories still need to be told—and how we're creating space for them?
Section 5: Infrastructure for Growth
◻ Do we have strong administrative systems (e.g., data, HR, communications, tech)?
◻ Are our staffing and leadership structures equipped to support growth?
◻ Do we have a clearly articulated value proposition for funders and partners?
◻ Is our vision for the future supported by a realistic operational and financial plan?
Self-Assessment Scorecard
Give yourself 1 point for every box checked.
0–10
Just getting started – let’s talk!
11–17
Building momentum – time to prioritize!
18–22
Solid foundation – ready to grow!
Need Support?
Let’s work together to build a roadmap tailored to your organization’s values, capacity, and goals.