Nonprofit Toolkit

Practical worksheets for boards, executives, and volunteers. Each one is fillable in your browser, prints clean, and can be emailed to yourself. Drafts save locally so you can come back to them.

How this works: Open any sheet, fill it in, then use the action bar at the bottom to save a draft, print, or email yourself a copy. Drafts stay on this device only. No data leaves your browser unless you press “Email Me a Copy.”
These are working tools. Adapt them. Break them. If something is missing for your organization, .
Decision Control Suite // Worksheet 01

7-Minute Agenda Template

Built for structure, accountability, and clarity
Meeting Header
Operating Rule
Reports go to Consent. Decisions lead.
Time Blocks
TimeBlockPurposeOutput captured
Consent Agenda

Attach reports. Pull only if needed.

ItemSourcePull?Notes
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Decision Control Suite // Worksheet 02

Conflict of Interest Action Log

Real-time compliance record
Header
Disclosures & Recusals
TimeMemberMatter / Agenda ItemDisclosure SummaryRecuse?Vote?Notes / Evidence

Tip: Attach supporting docs (email, policy excerpt, signed COI form) and note where filed.

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Decision Control Suite // Worksheet 03

Standardized Minutes Quick-Fill

Capture decisions and actions. Not transcripts.
Meeting Header
Decisions Made
#Motion / DecisionOutcomeVote / MethodEffectiveNotes
1
2
Actions Assigned
#ActionOwnerDueStatusNotes
1
2
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Operational Battle Rhythms // Worksheet 04

Chief’s 90-Day Board Onboarding

A tactical first watch
Days 1–7 // Get Oriented
Receive bylaws, policies, and board portal / shared drive access
Read last 3 sets of minutes + current strategic plan / POA&M
Understand quorum, voting rules, consent agenda, and meeting cadence
Identify your assigned watch (committee / portfolio) and deliverables
Days 8–30 // Learn the System
Meet ED / CEO and finance lead. Understand who owns what decisions
Review budget, reserves, and monthly financial package format
Review key risks: compliance deadlines, insurance, audit, grants
Confirm conflict-of-interest and annual disclosure requirements
Days 31–60 // Take the Watch
Attend committee meeting and take a specific recurring responsibility
Verify document locations for your portfolio (policy, contracts, etc.)
Identify one process improvement (minutes, reporting, controls)
Days 61–90 // Prove Readiness
Deliver a short brief-out to the board: findings and recommendations
Confirm succession / coverage: who backs you up if you miss a meeting
Document your role in the board handbook / SOPs
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Operational Battle Rhythms // Worksheet 05

Recurring Compliance Calendar

12-month grid // your dates, your owners
12-Month Calendar

Examples: Form 990 / 990-EZ, state annual report, charitable registration, insurance renewal, audit fieldwork, grant reports.

MonthKey Filings / DeadlinesOwnerStatusNotes / Link
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Audit-Ready Dossier // Worksheet 06

Document Readiness Matrix

Status, location, owner. One place.
DocumentStatusLocation (link / path)OwnerNotes
Bylaws
Articles of Incorporation
IRS Determination Letter
Conflict of Interest Policy
Whistleblower Policy
Document Retention Policy
Board Roster + Terms
Meeting Minutes (last 2 yrs)
Current Budget
Financial Statements (2 yrs)
Bank Account List + Signers
Grant Agreements (active)
Insurance Policies
Key Contracts / Leases
Fundraising / Donor Policy
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Audit-Ready Dossier // Worksheet 07

Policy Stress Test — 10 Questions

Find the holes in internal controls
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Service After Service // Worksheet 08

Military-to-Nonprofit Skills Translator

Translate roles into governance language
Reference Translations
Military ExperienceNonprofit Governance Translation
Chief / Senior Enlisted LeaderAccountability systems, SOPs, training plans, decision discipline, mentoring, risk management
Operations Specialist / WatchstanderSituation awareness, incident logs, shift turnover, rapid decision support, communications under pressure
Supply / LogisticsProcurement controls, vendor management, inventory discipline, audit trails
Training / QAPolicy compliance, internal controls testing, board education and onboarding
Intel / AnalysisData-driven oversight, scenario planning, red-teaming assumptions
Your Translations

Add your own. Anchor each entry to a real example you can defend in an interview.

Your Role / ExperienceGovernance TranslationReal Example You’ll Cite
Your Bio Line

One sentence. Use it in your nonprofit bio, your LinkedIn headline, and your introduction at the first board meeting.

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Service After Service // Worksheet 09

Mission Analysis Worksheet

Before you join a board, evaluate organizational health
Mission & Fit
Governance
Finance & Controls
Operational Reality
Verdict
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Rabbit Hole Research Log // Worksheet 10

Primary Source Read-Ahead

Guest bibliography // for The Adam Hinds Show
Source Bibliography
TypeCitation / LinkWhy it mattersKey quote / data pointConfidence
Questions This Generates
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Rabbit Hole Research Log // Worksheet 11

Curiosity Map

Make a web of intersections

Write 6 interests. Cross them. Under each intersection, write the bridge question that connects them.

Interests
#InterestWhy I careBridge question (how it connects)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Intersection Log
A ↔ BBridge questionPossible output (essay / podcast / tool)
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