The Selfie Assessment:
A Nonprofit Capacity Tool
Every nonprofit goes through changes—new leadership, shifts in funding, evolving strategies. Keeping up with these transitions can be challenging but knowing where your organization stands makes all the difference. That’s where the Nonprofit Lifecycles Self-Assessment Tool (aka the Selfie) comes in. It helps nonprofits understand what Lifecycles stage they are in and reflect on their capacity across key areas, giving them the insights they need to grow.
What is the Selfie, and Why Should You Use It?
The Selfie is a practical self-assessment tool that helps nonprofits evaluate their lifecycle stage and overall capacity. We offer it in an online format and as a supplemental hard copy version in our Store, allowing you to choose the format that suits you best. Whether you’re navigating major changes or simply refining operations, this tool provides a snapshot of where your organization is thriving and where there’s room for improvement across five key areas.
Who Should Use It?
For the best results, a mix of board members and staff should collaborate on the self-assessment. Nonprofits can take a self-directed approach or work under the guidance of a Lifecycles-trained Consultant, ensuring the results reflect different perspectives within the organization. The Online Selfie is also bilingual and offered in both English and Spanish.
How Does the Online Selfie Work?
The digital version makes the process simple:
1. A team lead fills out a Selfie Request Form and gets a custom link to the assessment.
2. Board members and staff complete the questionnaire, providing a full-picture view of the organization.
3. The team lead receives the results, with the option to have it formatted as an Excel sheet, PDF, or a summary report from the NLI team—giving them clear insights to work with.
Where to Get It
The online and hardcopy versions of the Selfie are available in our Store, along with an accompanying Lifecycles Selfie Worksheet. NLI Members receive a discount and a detailed guide on how to use the Selfie, so make sure to login or join us and become a member today!
The Selfie isn’t just a tool—it’s a way for nonprofits to take control of their future. By identifying strengths and areas for improvement, organizations can focus on what matters most and build a strong foundation for lasting impact. Get started with our nonprofit self-assessment tool today!
I love how the Selfie provides organizations of all sizes and types the opportunity to look at themselves honestly but privately so they can be unafraid to express that honesty. For me, the Selfie is the launching point for the conversation that follows – that’s where the magic happens!
