LPDr. Jennifer R. MaddenPhD · Leverage Point Development
A strategic program filter

Keep the right work visible.

Assess one program, service, or major activity through three essential lenses: Mission, Money, and Capacity. The goal is not a generic score—it is a clearer strategic choice.

Mission–Money–Capacity Filter

What should we protect, redesign, partner around, or pause?

This interactive version keeps the three dimensions separate because a high-mission activity may still need a different funding model or delivery arrangement. Your entries are saved only in this browser.

Dimension 01

Mission

Is this central to why we exist and to the outcomes the community needs from us?

  • It is central to our purpose or strategy.
  • The community would feel the loss if it disappeared.
  • It produces a distinctive outcome or trusted contribution.
3 / 5
Dimension 02

Money

Does the funding model cover the true cost and contribute appropriately to shared infrastructure?

  • Revenue covers the activity’s true direct and shared costs.
  • Funding is sufficiently reliable for the commitment being made.
  • The model contributes appropriately to organizational infrastructure.
3 / 5
Dimension 03

Capacity

Do we have the people, systems, expertise, cash flow, and leadership attention to deliver well?

  • We have people and expertise sufficient for quality delivery.
  • Our systems, cash flow, and operating rhythm support the work.
  • Leadership attention is available without harming higher priorities.
3 / 5
Your three-dimension profile

See the pattern before deciding.

The overall average is only a reference point. The recommendation below is based on the relationship among Mission, Money, and Capacity.

Reference average3.0 / 5
Mission3 / 5
Mixed signal—look for more evidence.
Money3 / 5
Mixed signal—look for more evidence.
Capacity3 / 5
Mixed signal—look for more evidence.
?

Leadership review

The pattern is mixed. Use the evidence notes to identify what would change the decision, then agree on an accountable next move.

Interpret before deciding

Turn the assessment into a next move.

Use the recommendation as a conversation starter. The leadership team makes the decision.

High M · viable M+C

Protect

Mission-critical and viable. Protect the activity and strengthen the conditions that keep it healthy.

High M · one low

Redesign

Preserve the mission outcome while changing the funding model, scope, process, or delivery approach.

High M · both low

Partner

Explore shared, delegated, or coordinated delivery before carrying the full burden alone.

Low M · low M or C

Pause / Exit

Concentrate limited resources on higher-fit, more viable work when the activity is neither central nor sustainable.

Educational notice. This public planning tool is adapted from the Mission–Money–Capacity Filter in the Funding the Mission in Uncertain Times Field Guide. It does not provide legal, financial, accounting, employment, or tax advice and should be used with professional judgment and the organization’s actual operating facts.