Free tool

Would you pass due diligence tomorrow?

25 things banks, investors, and donors check before they say yes. Tick only what you could hand a reviewer today, then get your report by email.

This tool needs JavaScript. If you are viewing this file inside the Google Drive preview, download it and open it in your browser instead.

Governance & Structure

The first thing a reviewer establishes is whether anyone is actually in charge.

Company or NGO registration, licences, and permits are current, with copies filed in one place. A board or oversight body exists, meets, and is distinct from day-to-day management. A written finance and accounting manual exists and staff actually follow it. Roles are separated: the person who approves spending is not the person who records or pays it. Statutory filings, such as annual returns and registry updates, are up to date.

Books & Reporting

Reviewers do not judge your numbers first. They judge whether you can produce them.

The books are closed every month, not reconstructed at year-end. Every bank and mobile-money account is reconciled to the ledger, less than a month ago. Financial statements for the last two years exist, audited or reviewed if funders require it. A budget exists and actual spending is tracked against it, with differences explained. A fixed asset register exists and matches what is physically there.

Controls & Compliance

One weak control outweighs ten strong intentions.

No payment leaves on one signature. Dual approval is enforced, including on mobile money. Purchases follow a written procurement process, with quotes and approvals on file. PAYE, NSSF, and withholding taxes are deducted correctly and remitted on time. URA filings are current, and any arrears are on a documented payment plan. Any supporting document (receipt, contract, approval) can be retrieved within one day.

Funding & Donor Readiness

This is where otherwise strong organisations lose the money.

Every grant or loan agreement is filed, and its conditions and deadlines are tracked. Restricted and unrestricted funds are separated in the accounts, not just in spreadsheets. Donor and lender reports go out on time, and the figures reconcile to the ledger. Shared costs are allocated on a written, defensible basis. Previous audit or review findings have been resolved, with evidence.

The Story Your Numbers Tell

In the final meeting, someone senior will ask you to walk them through it.

You know your cash position and runway today, without calling anyone. Who owes you and whom you owe is aged, reviewed monthly, and acted on. A simple forecast or financial model exists and is updated when reality changes. Points raised in your last management letter are closed. A leader, not only the accountant, can answer "walk me through your numbers" unprepared.

Your result

Done ticking? Get your result.

You've ticked 0 of 25. Enter your details and we'll show your verdict here, then email your full report: score, section breakdown, and the gaps to close.

Full Name *

Your Email *

Organisation *

Your Role *

Organisation Type *

Employees *

Annual Revenue / Budget

Preparing For *