CQ® FAQ
Q. What is Capacity Quotient®?
A. Capacity Quotient (CQ®) is an assessment tool developed exclusively by Unity Foundation to help nonprofits assess their capacity to expand mission-focused activity.
Q. How is CQ administered?
A. CQ is administered online through an assessment process that takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Q. Who completes the assessment?
A. All board members of the nonprofit are required to complete the instrument prior to a report being issued. We recommend that senior staff/management (CEO, COO, CFO) also participate. The nonprofit’s board is legally responsible for the fiscal and governance stability of the organization.
Q. How does the CQ assessment help an organization?
A. CQ provides quantitative benchmark data to nonprofit board and staff leaders about the capacity and governance of a nonprofit. Data is measured against preferred practices that Unity Foundation continually updates through industry research. Board and staff are coached through interpreting and discussing the data and how it supports and shapes organizational development. The assessment is often a baseline for planning discussions.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. The cost of the instrument and benchmarks report is $495. The fee can be negotiated based on a number of factors. Nonprofits can arrange for Unity Foundation to facilitate a debriefing session to review the report and assist with next steps. Please contact us for more information.
Q. What do we do afterwards?
A. An organization may use CQ as a kick-start to strategic planning, to better understand assets, strengths and areas for improvement as it examines how to most effectively meet its mission. It is critical that an organization’s board of directors be involved to guide continuity of staff planning from a strategic level.