For the Not-for-Profit analysis, the main objective of the assignment is to select a not-for-profit organization and identify that organization’s mission statement, and then describe the extent to which their mission and goals were accomplished, using information obtained on the entity and their financial data. You will need to identify your own criteria for evaluation of the mission statement, measure achievement, and offer a conclusion on the evidence presented. Questions you are required to address in your research paper include (in no particular order):
A. Did the organization turn a profit, sustain a loss, or break even? Was this appropriate given the circumstances the organization is facing?
B. Would you invest, give, or donate to the organization? Why or why not?
C. What is your assessment of the overall financial health of the organization, and what is their economic outlook? (Hint: you might use ratio analysis to form your thoughts and conclusions)
D. How much money was spent on administrative and overhead costs versus program costs? How does this affect the organization’s ability to serve its constituents?
E. What are the positive and negative internal and external factors that have impacted the entity (risks and threats to long-term sustainability)? What is the organization doing to overcome these challenges?
F. What are their streams of revenue and funding structure? How much of that revenue is from fundraising efforts, grants (federal, corporate, and foundations), and charges for program services, etc.? Is the division of revenue streams appropriate based on their mission and goals?
G. How did they get started? What programs do they offer and what was the catalyst that drove formation of the organization?
Recommended resources
Financial statements and/or annual report.
Form 990 federal return.
Strategic planning documents.
