How can you make your non-profit more transparent and accountable?

1 Define your goals and indicators

The first step to transparency and accountability is to have a clear and realistic vision of what you want to achieve and how you measure your progress. You should communicate your goals and indicators to your stakeholders and explain how they align with your values and strategy. You should also review and update them regularly to reflect any changes or challenges in your context.

2 Share your financial information

The second step to transparency and accountability is to disclose your financial information in a timely and accurate manner. You should publish your annual reports, audits, budgets, and sources of funding on your website and other channels. You should also explain how you allocate your resources and how you ensure financial sustainability and compliance. You should also be open to feedback and questions from your stakeholders about your financial management.

3 Engage your stakeholders

The third step to transparency and accountability is to involve your stakeholders in your decision-making and operations. You should consult and collaborate with your donors, beneficiaries, staff, and partners on your plans, activities, and outcomes. You should also create opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and learning from your stakeholders. You should also acknowledge and address any concerns or complaints from your stakeholders in a respectful and responsive way.

4 Report your impact and challenges

The fourth step to transparency and accountability is to showcase your impact and challenges in a credible and compelling way. You should collect and analyze data and stories that demonstrate your achievements and lessons learned. You should also share your successes and failures with your stakeholders and the public in a balanced and honest way. You should also highlight your contribution to the broader social and environmental goals that you support.

5 Follow ethical standards and practices

The fifth step to transparency and accountability is to adhere to ethical standards and practices that reflect your values and mission. You should follow the laws and regulations that apply to your non-profit and your sector. You should also adopt and implement codes of conduct, policies, and procedures that promote integrity, diversity, inclusion, and respect. You should also train and monitor your staff and partners on ethical issues and risks.

6 Seek external verification and recognition

The sixth step to transparency and accountability is to seek external verification and recognition of your performance and quality. You should participate in independent evaluations, audits, accreditations, or ratings that assess your governance, management, impact, and sustainability. You should also apply for awards, certifications, or memberships that recognize your excellence and innovation. You should also share and celebrate your achievements and recognition with your stakeholders and the public.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?