Effective business systems, information technology (IT), and facilities management are vital pillars of success for nonprofit organizations. In high-performing organizations, mission-driven business systems ensure that every operational component is seamlessly connected and strategically aligned, driving efficient service delivery and measurable outcomes. IT plays a critical role by shaping and maintaining the digital ecosystem, and robust cybersecurity management practices safeguard sensitive data and uphold system integrity. Facilities management reinforces these efforts by maintaining safe, sustainable, and functional environments that support both daily operations and long-term organizational goals. Together, these elements form a resilient organizational infrastructure that empowers nonprofits to focus on their mission with confidence and agility.

Understanding how well your organization is functioning in these key operational areas is essential for long-term success. The OpX360 Business Systems, IT & Facilities module from The Capin Center for Nonprofit Excellence can help. This free, user-friendly assessment is designed to help you evaluate your nonprofit’s systems, data, and processes for managing and protecting your vital information and assets. It also provides an assessment score you can share with potential funders.

Assessment Breakdown

The OpX360 Business Systems, IT & Facilities module is designed for senior leadership and can be taken by your CEO, Chief Operations Officer, or Chief Information Officer. The module evaluates your organization against 60 Best Practice statements organized into five Key Elements:

• Cybersecurity Management – Effective cybersecurity management encompasses processes and controls for managing and protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access or attacks aimed at exploitation.
• Disaster Preparedness – Refers to measures and steps taken to prepare for, plan for, and reduce the effects of various disasters, including natural, technical, or cyber disasters. This includes identifying potential disasters and the resulting impact, and outlining how the organization will continue key operations and recover systems.
• Facilities Management – Focuses on efficient and effective delivery of services that support the short- and long-term maintenance and operation of the organization’s facilities.
• Information Technology (IT) – Covers the design, development, implementation, support, and management of computer-based information systems, including software applications and computer hardware, to provide the digital tools employees need to operate productively.
• Mission-Driven Business Systems – Designed to connect an organization’s systems and interrelated processes so that all functions align with mission objectives and work together to support the organization’s strategic plan.  

By completing assessment questions across these five Key Elements, you’ll gain a holistic view of your nonprofit’s health in this area, along with an understanding of why each element matters and how you can make improvements.  

After you complete the convenient online Business Systems, IT & Facilities module, you’ll receive an Executive Briefing, which includes a high-level summary of your nonprofit’s results, as well as a Detailed Report with in-depth insights and recommendations based on your responses.

With our free unlimited subscription, you can retake the assessment as often as you like to track improvements and demonstrate competency to funders and other stakeholders.

If you’re looking to gain valuable insights to help you optimize your operational processes, programs, and services, take the free assessment.

For a comprehensive look at your organization’s overall operational competence in other vital areas, OpX360 offers five additional modules. You can learn more about each here.

Additional Resources:

Finance & Accounting Assessment: A Key to Strengthening Nonprofit Operations
Fundraising, Marketing & Communications Assessment: Insight for Strategic Engagement and Growth
Governance, Legal & Risk Management Assessment: Understanding Key Elements of Stability and Success
Program Management & Accountability Assessment: Insight for Strategic Planning and Program Development
People & Organizational Development: Strengthening Culture and People Management