infographic on 8 quarter review process by The Wright Firm PLLC

An organizational assessment serves as a comprehensive health check for your business or nonprofit entity. This invaluable tool systematically examines various facets of your organization, including but not limited to legal strategy, human resources, corporate documents, financial management, intellectual property, business operations, contract or grant management, and risk management. The objective is to identify both strengths and weaknesses, thereby providing a clear picture of your organization’s current state and future potential.

An assessment can help to uncover latent or overlooked issues before they escalate into more significant problems. These could range from financial inefficiencies to non-compliance with laws and regulations.  With a detailed understanding of your organization’s status, you can make better-informed decisions. An assessment offers actionable insights, helping you allocate resources more effectively and focus on areas that need immediate attention.

Legal disputes and regulatory fines can be financially crippling. An early assessment can identify vulnerabilities and allow you to address them before they become problematic, thus saving you money in the long run.  

Lawsuits and fines can seriously tarnish your organization’s reputation. An assessment can help you avoid the negative publicity associated with legal challenges and financial penalties, thereby maintaining stakeholder trust.  A thorough assessment will examine your compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This proactive approach affords you the opportunity to rectify any non-compliance issues, thus minimizing the risk of legal action.

Knowing that your organization has been diligently assessed can provide the confidence needed to focus on your core activities, secure in the knowledge that potential pitfalls have been identified and addressed.   

Organizational assessments are not merely an optional exercise but a critical requirement for any entity committed to operational excellence, compliance, and long-term success. By identifying and addressing issues preemptively, you protect your organization against the financial and reputational damages that lawsuits and fines can impose.

Learn more about our 8 Quarter Review process.

For Small Businesses:   

Basic Business Health Check

The Basic Business Health Check is a quick yet thorough review aimed at identifying key areas of strength and weakness within your organization. This assessment includes one hour of directed questioning followed by one-hour of personalized consultation.  At the end of this session, you will receive a concise report that highlights essential points for immediate attention and offers initial recommendations for improvement.

Comprehensive Business Performance Audit

The Comprehensive Business Performance Audit is an in-depth evaluation of your organization’s various facets. Spread across multiple sessions, this audit dives deep into your operations, requiring documentary evidence for a full-scale analysis.  You will receive a detailed report that not only pinpoints issues but also suggests actionable steps and strategies to bolster business performance, enhance compliance, and minimize risk.

For Nonprofit Organizations

Initial Nonprofit Organizational Review

Our Initial Nonprofit Organizational Review is a streamlined evaluation designed to provide a snapshot of your nonprofit’s current state. The session comprises one hour of targeted questioning and a one-hour consultation.  You will receive a summarized report focusing on critical areas that may need immediate intervention, along with initial steps for course correction.

Comprehensive Nonprofit Excellence Audit

The Comprehensive Nonprofit Excellence Audit is a meticulous examination of all aspects of your nonprofit organization. Conducted over several days, this audit involves a deep dive into your nonprofit’s operations, supported by necessary documentation.  Upon completion, you will receive an exhaustive report detailing vulnerabilities, strengths, and a roadmap for future strategy, ensuring your organization is primed for long-term success.

Grant Readiness Review:

The Grant Readiness Review is a specialized service designed to evaluate your nonprofit organization’s preparedness for securing grants. The process involves a detailed examination of various organizational aspects, including legal compliance, financial management, program development, and governance, to ensure that your nonprofit is not only eligible for grant opportunities but also stands a competitive chance of being awarded them.

Areas Covered:

  • Legal Compliance: Review of corporate documents and legal structure to ensure adherence to state and federal regulations pertinent to grant eligibility.
  • Financial Management: Analysis of financial statements, budgets, and fiscal controls to determine financial sustainability and capability to manage grant funds effectively.
  • Program Development: Evaluation of existing programs, project plans, and impact metrics to assess alignment with grant objectives and criteria.
  • Governance: Examination of board governance and management structures to ensure effective oversight and ethical conduct.
  • Documentation: Ensuring that necessary documents such as IRS Form 990, audits, and program reports are up-to-date, accurate, and readily available for grant applications.

At the conclusion of the Grant Readiness Review, your organization will receive a comprehensive report detailing its strengths and areas for improvement. The report will include actionable recommendations designed to enhance your organization’s grant competitiveness. Moreover, the review aims to identify any compliance issues that could disqualify you from grant eligibility, thus allowing preemptive action to rectify them.

Grants are an essential funding source for nonprofit organizations, but the application process is highly competitive and often complex. A Grant Readiness Review helps ensure that your nonprofit is not only eligible but also competitively positioned to secure grant opportunities. Moreover, our proactive assessment can help you avoid potential legal complications or compliance issues that could result in disqualification, thereby safeguarding your organization’s credibility and financial wellbeing.

This description should provide a robust overview of what the Grant Readiness Review entails and why it is an indispensable service for nonprofit organizations aiming to secure grant funding.

Legal Assessments and Audits FAQs

A legal assessment or audit methodically reviews your organization’s legal affairs to identify potential risks. It involves scrutinizing contracts, evaluating compliance with laws and regulations, examining employee relations, and assessing licensing and permits. This process uncovers any existing or potential legal issues, such as non-compliance with laws, contractual vulnerabilities, or employee-related legal risks. By highlighting these areas, a legal assessment helps your organization address and mitigate these risks proactively.

The duration of a legal assessment or audit varies depending on the size and complexity of your organization. Typically, it can range from a few hours to several weeks. The process involves a comprehensive review of various legal documents, policies, and procedures, necessitating thorough and careful analysis to ensure no aspect is overlooked.

Common risks identified in legal audits include non-compliance with laws and regulations, inadequate contract language, employee-related issues (like non-compliance with labor laws), intellectual property concerns, and gaps in licensing or permits. These risks, if unaddressed, can lead to legal disputes, financial losses, and damage to reputation.

To prepare for a legal assessment, organize all relevant legal documents, including contracts, licenses, employee records, and compliance documentation. Ensure that key personnel are available to provide insights and information. Being transparent and cooperative during the process facilitates a more efficient and effective audit.

Regular legal assessments and audits help maintain legal compliance, identify and mitigate risks, and enhance operational efficiency. They provide insights into potential improvements in contract management and employee relations. Additionally, regular audits demonstrate a commitment to legal and ethical standards, fostering trust among stakeholders, investors, and the public.