NPO Readiness Checklist

Partnership Readiness Overview

Successful corporate-nonprofit partnerships require preparation, transparency, and clear documentation. This comprehensive checklist helps nonprofits ensure they're ready to engage with corporate partners effectively and maintain successful long-term relationships.

Legal & Compliance Readiness

Essential Documentation (India-based NPOs)

• ✅ Registration Certificate: Valid under Section 8/12A/80G
• ✅ PAN Card: Organization's Permanent Account Number
• ✅ FCRA Certification: If receiving foreign funding
• ✅ Audited Financial Statements: Last 3 years minimum
• ✅ Annual Returns: Filed with appropriate authorities
• ✅ CSR Eligibility: Documentation proving CSR compliance eligibility
• ✅ Governance Policies: Board policies, conflict of interest declarations

Essential Documentation (US-based NPOs)

• ✅ 501(c)(3) Status: IRS determination letter
• ✅ EIN Number: Federal Employer Identification Number
• ✅ Form 990: Last 3 years of annual tax filings
• ✅ State Registration: Valid state nonprofit registration
• ✅ Board Resolution: Authorizing corporate partnerships
• ✅ Insurance Coverage: General liability and D&O insurance
• ✅ Compliance Certificates: State-specific compliance documentation

Operational Readiness

Program Documentation

• ✅ Theory of Change: Clear articulation of impact model
• ✅ Program Descriptions: Detailed program overviews and outcomes
• ✅ Impact Metrics: Defined KPIs and measurement frameworks
• ✅ Beneficiary Data: Clear demographic and impact data
• ✅ Geographic Coverage: Service area maps and reach statistics
• ✅ Capacity Assessment: Current capacity and scaling potential

Financial Management

• ✅ Budget Templates: Project budgeting frameworks
• ✅ Financial Controls: Internal financial management systems
• ✅ Reporting Systems: Regular financial and impact reporting processes
• ✅ Audit History: Clean audit history with explanations for any issues
• ✅ Fund Management: Procedures for managing restricted funds

Partnership Readiness

Communication Infrastructure

• ✅ Dedicated Partnership Team: Clear point persons for corporate relations
• ✅ Communication Protocols: Regular update schedules and reporting formats
• ✅ Marketing Materials: Professional brochures, case studies, presentations
• ✅ Digital Presence: Professional website and social media presence
• ✅ Volunteer Management: Systems for managing corporate volunteer programs

Impact Measurement & Reporting

• ✅ Data Collection Systems: Robust systems for tracking program data
• ✅ Impact Stories: Compelling beneficiary stories and case studies
• ✅ Photo/Video Assets: High-quality media showing programs in action
• ✅ Reporting Templates: Standardized reporting formats for partners
• ✅ Third-party Validation: External evaluations or certifications

Red Flags to Address

Legal & Compliance Red Flags

• ❌ Expired or invalid registrations
• ❌ Outstanding legal cases or investigations
• ❌ Non-compliance with reporting requirements
• ❌ Audit qualifications or financial irregularities
• ❌ Conflicts of interest not properly disclosed

Operational Red Flags

• ❌ High staff turnover or leadership instability
• ❌ Unclear or unmeasurable impact metrics
• ❌ Poor financial management practices
• ❌ Inconsistent program delivery or outcomes
• ❌ Negative media coverage or reputation issues

Technology & Systems Readiness

Digital Infrastructure

• ✅ CRM System: Donor and stakeholder management system
• ✅ Project Management: Tools for managing partnerships and projects
• ✅ Data Security: Proper data protection and privacy measures
• ✅ Communication Tools: Professional email and video conferencing setup
• ✅ Financial Software: Accounting and financial reporting systems

Getting Partnership Ready

90-Day Readiness Plan

1. Days 1-30: Compile all legal and compliance documentation
2. Days 31-60: Develop program materials and impact measurement systems
3. Days 61-90: Create partnership infrastructure and communication protocols

Ongoing Partnership Management

Best Practices for Success

• Maintain regular communication with corporate partners
• Provide consistent, high-quality reporting
• Be transparent about challenges and successes
• Actively seek feedback and implement improvements
• Celebrate partnership milestones and achievements

CauseConnect Partnership Benefits

Organizations meeting these readiness criteria can leverage CauseConnect's platform to:

• Access a curated network of corporate partners
• Streamline partnership management and reporting
• Showcase impact through professional profiles
• Participate in corporate volunteering programs
• Receive ongoing support and capacity building

Ready to become a CauseConnect partner? Use this checklist to prepare your organization for successful corporate partnerships that will amplify your impact and advance your mission.