A strategic plan is a shared agreement about where your organization is going over the next few years and how you will get there. Not every organization needs a new one every year, but some moments make planning especially valuable.
Five signs it’s time
- Your current plan has expired or no one uses it. If staff and board members can’t name your top priorities, the plan isn’t guiding decisions.
- You’re facing a major change. A new executive director, rapid growth, a funding shift, or a move to a new building all raise questions a plan can help answer.
- Board and staff disagree about direction. A facilitated process gives everyone a structured way to work through differences.
- Funders are asking. Many grantmakers want to see clear goals and how you’ll measure progress.
- You’re saying yes to everything. A plan helps you decide what not to do.
What a useful plan includes
- A short list of priorities, usually three to five
- Specific, measurable goals for each priority
- Tactics, owners, and timelines, so goals turn into action
- A simple way to review progress, such as quarterly check-ins
Start with strengths
I often use the SOAR approach (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) instead of a traditional SWOT. SOAR keeps the conversation focused on what your organization does well and what you want to achieve, which tends to produce more energy and more realistic plans.
How long does it take?
Many nonprofit planning processes take two to four months, including gathering stakeholder input, a planning retreat, and drafting the plan. The most important part comes after: using the plan to make decisions.
Need help?
Strategic Leap helps nonprofits, schools, and community organizations with strategic planning. Schedule a conversation or call 317-213-1933.