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Strategic Planning: What It Is — and Isn’t

Esther Amunga, MNA, ACNP, CNP, GradPR Nonprofit and Professional Fundraising Consultant, Coach, Trainer & Speaker
Strategic planning can often feel like a tangled web of terms and concepts, leading to confusion about what exactly constitutes a strategic plan. It’s crucial to clarify that not every plan falls into this category.
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At its core, a strategic plan is a powerful tool designed to guide an organization in fulfilling its mission with maximum efficiency and impact. An effective strategic plan articulates specific goals and outlines the action steps and resources needed to achieve them. For best results, it’s wise to review and refresh this plan every three to five years.

Now, let’s differentiate between a few related terms:

  • Operating Plan: This is a more detailed blueprint that breaks down the goals from the strategic plan into specific tasks. It outlines time frames and assigns roles to staff and board members, typically covering a one-year period.
  • Business Plan: Focused on income generation, a business plan details the actions and investments necessary to earn revenue from specific programs or services. It dives into products, competitive environments, and revenue assumptions.
  • Case Statement: Unlike the previous plans, a case statement is primarily aimed at marketing and fundraising. It highlights an organization’s goals, strengths, and the benefits it provides, with the intent of securing contributions from individuals and philanthropic entities.

Understanding these distinctions can help ensure that your strategic planning efforts are effective and aligned with your organization’s mission. Remember, clarity in planning sets the foundation for successful execution!

Nonprofit Strategic Plan Outline

  1. Executive Summary
    • Brief overview of the strategic plan, including key goals and objectives.
  2. Mission Statement
    • Clear statement of the organization’s purpose and primary objectives.
  3. Vision Statement
    • Description of the desired future state of the organization.
  4. Core Values
    • Principles and beliefs that guide the organization’s actions.
  5. Environmental Scan
    • SWOT Analysis
      • Strengths
      • Weaknesses
      • Opportunities
      • Threats
    • Market Analysis
      • Overview of the nonprofit sector and specific niche.
  6. Strategic Goals
    • Specific, measurable goals aligned with the mission and vision.
    • Timeframe for each goal (e.g., 3-5 years).
  7. Action Plans
    • Detailed steps to achieve each goal:
      • Activities and initiatives
      • Responsible parties
      • Resources needed
      • Timeline
  8. Performance Metrics
    • Key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
    • Evaluation methods to assess progress.
  9. Stakeholder Engagement
    • Strategies for involving staff, board, volunteers, and community in the planning process.
  10. Financial Plan
    • Overview of budgetary needs and funding sources.
    • Financial projections related to strategic goals.
  11. Risk Management
    • Identification of potential risks and mitigation strategies.
  12. Review and Revision Process
    • Schedule for regular assessment and updates of the strategic plan.

Adopted from TCC Group: Strategies to achieve social impact

Join me as I explore and explain more about how to create a strategic plan for your nonprofit on October 19. Register here >> https://forms.gle/Mv3oNdy13gAizGoz8

With kind regards and gratitude,Esther Amunga, MNA, ACNP, CNP, GradPR
Nonprofit and Professional Fundraising Consultant, Coach, Trainer & Speaker

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