Strategic Planning
for Non-profits

Move through uncertainty with Strategic Planning

In my experience, a great strategic planning process energizes people, gives clarity and purpose to the work ahead, and helps everyone to work off the same page.  That’s because your plan is synthesized into a single page that everyone stands behind.

I’ve been told that the planning process we did together was the most productive time that Board members and Staff had ever spent together. Organizations I work with have seen growth as evident in new inspired program innovations, increased community engagement, lasting improvements to site and facilities, and significant new philanthropic investments from donors of all levels. 

Strategic direction through four phases of discovery

  • 1. Understanding the Current Condition

    Research to better understand your organization’s current condition and competitive environment helps to make decisions about the future. I help groups with the tasks of gathering information, conducting research, and surveying your organization’s friends and supporters.

  • 2. Affirming the Mission, Vision, and Values

    A shared agreement on the values that guide your organization, and the ultimate aim of your good works, become a bedrock for decision-making. I help structure productive and inspiring group conversations to craft your mission, values, and vision statements without getting bogged down.

  • 3. Setting Goals and Objectives

    When groups come together to deeply appreciate the critical issues they must face, what becomes clear are the goals that are needed and the action steps we will take to move forward. After setting goals and objectives, I work with you to summarize your plan down to a single page to ensure we are all “working off the same page.”

  • 4. Clarifying an Implementation Plan

    My work isn’t done until you are fully comfortable and ready to implement your plan. This might include a review of committee structures and the staff team’s roles and responsibilities to support the plan so there is mutual agreement as to who does what by when.

How long does Strategic Planning take?

Strategic planning can be completed in as little as 3 months, but typically it takes 6 to 9 months. The length of time depends on the complexity of your organization and the amount of community engagement and research you wish to include in the planning process. I’ll discuss with you the pros and cons of shorter versus longer processes and how they help you address your organization’s key questions.

How much does it cost?

It depends. Once I understand more about your organization, and the questions you are hoping to address through planning I’ll be better able to give you a price estimate. I will provide you with three options for your consideration, and I will provide you with an affordable option.

Photo Credit: Marcelo Salazar. The image at the top of the page is the Brazilian Amazon with boats delivering COIVD-19 vaccines, a program of Health In Harmony.