The thought of taking an annual test raises the hair on the back of my neck. It’s like the unrelenting nightmare about not finding the correct room for English class while in college. There’s no way to graduate without the credits. And, how can I pass the test?

The annual test for healthcare can also be stressful. This is when screenings are done to determine how healthy you are. The screenings provide results and possible solutions in an attempt to lower the risk of future disease. Annual tests are not pleasant to think about, but our life depends on how well we take care of things. It is true for the health of our bodies, relationships and businesses, which includes the nonprofit sector.

In healthcare, passing the annual test means your preventative measures are working and you can continue down the same path. We want these same results in other parts of our lives too. Businesses often use black and red color coding to describe their health. A business, which ends the year in the black (with positive earnings) is considered healthier than one ending the year in the red (showing a loss). The color value of red or black is often a better example of success. You may want to show a slight loss (light red) at the end of the year but your red happens to be a jewel tone. The deeper red suggests a required adjustment in order to grow in a healthier way.

Nonprofits have to remain healthy. Almost all charitable nonprofits that are recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS are required to file an annual report, known as the “Form 990”. This type of annual test can determine if something big has to change. The report is important because a nonprofit in poor health is not always an organization people readily support. A screening process to make sure an organization is still able to pass the annual test usually begins with a look at an organization’s mission statement. Is it accomplishing its goal and are they financially responsible?

Developing relationships can also involve a screening process. This includes knowing yourself and how you will react in a situation. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/tests/ is the link for self-tests, which are interesting to explore. Some of the tests are free while others involve a fee through Psychology Today.

It can be stressful leading up to taking any test and then waiting for results. An annual test is a preventative measure that can help in changing course-direction over time. Developing a screening process is an important first step to establishing an annual test in any part of your life. Start by asking the simple questions and plan to pass the test!

Contact Gayle Gross at iwantto@soarwithnetworkfundraising.org or 719-233-9902 if you want your nonprofit to be part of this column or to be part of the Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County.

Gayle Gross has worked with nonprofits in the community since 1998. Now, she facilitates SOAR’s Nonprofit Cooperative of Teller County. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. – 10:45. The group meets at Reserve Our Gallery or at a nonprofit’s location. Join the group on February 13 at Colorado Phoenix Project, Kenpo Karate.

Gayle Gross