Take the following steps to interpret your results.
Steps:
1. Tally a total score for the entire assessment.
2. Use the chart below to better understand your total score.
Use the Interpretation Chart below based on your total score.
35–80: FOUNDATIONAL STAGE
Your organization is still building its foundation.
You may be experiencing:
• Inconsistent funding
• Unclear structure
• Reactive decision-making
Focus: Build clarity, structure, and core systems
81–130: DEVELOPING STAGE
Your organization has some structure, but there are gaps.
You may experience:
• Inconsistency in processes, workflows, and areas
• Your organization has limited capacity to weather environmental threats
• Your organization may perform well in some areas or over some seasons, but this cannot be maintained
Focus: Strengthen your systems, fundraising strategy, and leadership capacity
131–175: SUSTAINABLE STAGE
Your organization has strong foundations in place.
You likely have:
• clear programs
• structured operations
• consistent strategy
Focus: Scale and refine your efforts for long-term growth
Now that you’ve completed the Nonprofit Sustainability Assessment, you likely have a clearer view of your organization.
You may have noticed:
• areas that feel strong and consistent
• areas that feel less defined
• and areas that may need more structure
This is exactly what this process is designed to reveal.
If your results show gaps, that doesn’t mean something is wrong.
It means your organization hasn’t been fully structured yet.
And that’s where most nonprofits find themselves.
The difference is what you do next.
You now have:
✔️ awareness
✔️ direction
✔️ a starting point
The next step is deciding how you want to move forward.
There are a few ways to move forward from here, depending on what you need.
The Nonprofit Leadership Development & Organizational Sustainability Certification is designed to help you build your organization across key areas such as:
• programs
• budgeting
• messaging
• fundraising
• systems
This is best if you want:
• clear direction
• a structured framework
• and a path to building long-term sustainability
Learn more: The Leadership Development & Organizational Sustainability Certification
The NAO Membership Program provides continued resources, insight, and direction as you begin implementing what you’ve learned.
This is best if you want:
• consistent support
• flexibility in guidance
• and a way to stay on track over time
Learn more: The NAO Membership Program
The NAO Leadership Implementation Lab offers live sessions where you can:
• ask questions
• talk through challenges
• and receive direct guidance
This is best if you want:
• hands-on support
• real-time feedback
• and help applying what you’re learning
Learn more: The NAO Leadership Implementation Lab
You don’t need to make a perfect decision.
Start with what feels most aligned with where your organization is right now.
A simple way to think about it:
• Need structure and a full roadmap? → Certification
• Need ongoing support as you build? → Membership
• Need help working through challenges now? → Implementation Lab
You don’t need to fix everything today.
You just need to take your next step with clarity.
That’s what this process is designed to help you do.
Choose the path that supports you best—and begin there.
If you’re ready to move forward with structure and clarity:
Start with the Certification Program.