Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

Thoroughly review the four quadrants of a SWOT analysis. Then, examine the supplemental checklist and tools. Each tool gives additional context for understanding how to use a SWOT analysis in your organization.

Tool: Performing a SWOT Analysis

Here are some general questions in each SWOT category to prompt analysis of your organization, community, or effort.


  Positives Negatives
Internal
  • Human resources
  • Physical resources
  • Financial resources
  • Activities and processes
  • Past experiences
Strengths
What are your own advantages, in terms of people, physical resources, finances?
What do you do well? What activities or processes have met with success?
Weaknesses
What could be improved in your organization in terms of staffing, physical resources, funding?
What activities and processes lack effectiveness or are poorly done?
External
  • Future trends - in your field or the culture
  • The economy
  • Funding sources (foundations, donors, legislatures)
  • Demographics
  • The physical environment
  • Legislation
  • Local, national, or international events
Opportunities
What possibilities exist to support or help your effort - in the environment, the people you serve, or the people who conduct your work?
What local, national, or international trends draw interest to your program?
Is a social change or demographic pattern favorable to your goal?
Is a new funding source available?
Have changes in policies made something easier?
Do changes in technology hold new promise?
Threats
What obstacles do you face that hinder the effort - in the environment, the people you serve, or the people who conduct your work?
What local, national, or international trends favor interest in other or competing programs?
Is a social change or demographic pattern harmful to your goal?
Is the financial situation of a funder changing?
Have changes in policies made something more difficult?
Is changing technology threatening your effectiveness?