Strategic Planning

The strategic plan identifies where the organization is going and how it will get there. It is a work in progress that is never quite complete. The result of strategic planning is a written document that can be use by the staff, board and committee members. It will guide the organization for several years. It will be used to form the development plan.

NPO’s are formed to meet the needs of the community so it is necessary to look at all current, relevant needs assessments in your service area. You don’t want to provide a service that is already being provided by another organization or just is not that urgent of a need in your service area.

Take a look at the services that you are currently providing. Are they self supporting? Is there still the need for a particular service? What outcomes are you seeing because of your services? Where are the funds being obtained for your programs? Is there reasonable expectation that the funding will continue? Is there enough community interest in your program?

Do a analysis. There are several books on this process of identifying your NPO's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The SWOT Analysis: Using your Strength to overcome Weaknesses, Using Opportunities to overcome Threats Strategic Management and Business Analysis Marketing and Competitive Analysis Templates and Tools

Once all this information is gathered the strategic planning process can begin.

The first step is to Form a Planning Committee. The committee should be made up of individuals directly affected by the plan such as board members, staff, community members, donors, clients, and/or current volunteers. A mix of volunteers from different ages, ethnic back grounds, geographic areas and income levels should be considered.

Decide who should write the plan. The executive director usually takes ownership of this task.

There are several key components to the strategic planning process:
1. Mission
The mission statement describes the purpose of the non-profit. The reason it exists. Who you serve and how you serve. See: The Mission Statement Posted 3/24/10
2. Values Ethical stance that the NPO will take. They guide our actions.
3. Goals A subsection of the mission that will be addressed.
4. Objectives Designed to meet your goals. Time-based and measurable indicators of success
5. Activities Specific plans indicating who will do what, when and how.
financial guidelines

NPO’s that already are established may just have to re-examine some of the components. For instance, the mission of a well established organization may need updating or may be still relevant. If you are updating a current strategic plan, you may find in the preparation stage that the community needs are still in existence and only the activities need to be adjusted.
Remember that the strategic planning process takes time and careful consideration. Do not rush the process. Once the document is completed it is usually relevant for 3 to 5 years. But don’t shelf it. Take a look at it periodically and make sure you are on track.