Independent Learning

Risk Assessment

Completing this risk assessment will allow you to answer the following questions, so you can clearly identify the risks you need to focus on in building out your idea and avoid wasting time and resources.

  1. What could go wrong or what could you lose?
  2. What is the likelihood this negative outcome will occur?
  3. What are the consequences if it does?
  4. What can be done to prevent or mitigate this negative outcome?
What is this tool exactly?

Used by social impact leaders to identify gaps in their ideas and refine their models, a risk assessment helps you to know what you’re up against and ensure that you are proceeding in an informed, prepared, and confident manner with greater preparedness and confidence. Remember, the greatest risks will always be the things that you don’t know!

Who should be involved?

Start with those who you plan to work with directly as you build out your idea or initiative. If possible, you may also benefit from involving other internal or external stakeholders such as board members, advisers, or members of the community.

How long should it take to complete?

Around 25 minutes

Where can I learn more?
  1. Enterprising Nonprofits: A Toolkit for Social Entrepreneurs by J. Gregory Dees 2001.
  2. “A Call for Nonprofit Risk Management” by Ted Bilich, Stanford Social Innovation Review. 2016.