Operations Manual Template (Tracking all Items)

A nonprofit operations manual is a very simple document used to keep track of important items like hardware, passwords and even relationships that exist within the nonprofit. A good executive director wants to set up an organization for success even after they depart. This template will help get you started.

Imagine that your executive director was fired, quit, or even passed away tomorrow. Now imagine the same for another long-time senior staff person. So much organizational information may disappear with them.

Some organizations maintain a “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP) document, but this may only entail software and financial information. An Operations Manual ensures the smooth operations of the organization through a transition. This means that the Operations manual may track what equipment the organization owns, who has it in their possession, what is the status of the warranty, and how would you get into that device if a staff person left.

The organization should have a written explanation of other important but not easily “findable” information like the relationship with your landlord, why certain systems were set up the way they were, any grandfathered relationships that need monitoring, and more

I designed this document because I was working at an organization with a long-time founder who was in poor health. I saw it as responsible to guarantee that the organization would not face interruptions should that leader no longer be with us.

This nonprofit operations manual template saves you time and hassle but having everything in one place, and ideally password protected. This document should be updated regularly with the date of the latest revision listed clearly at the top or on page 1.

Grab the tool now!