NONPROFIT AFTER HOURS: STRATEGIC PLANNING Amy Cole Buehler David Carroll

WHAT IS STRATEGIC PLANNING?  It is Visionary and Strategic = Forward thinking  It is how you realize your mission and vision  It is a process  Mission, Vision, Values videohttp:// video  External analysis: SWOT  Development and Ranking of Strategic Goals or Initiatives  Development of Objectives or Strategies  Development of Action Items (clear & specific, measurable result, timed, resources required, responsibility)  Outputs – what happens as a result of working our plan?  Implementation  Monitoring and Reporting  It is Not an operating or annual plan – which is the guide for your organization’s day-to-day work

WHY IS STRATEGIC PLANNING IMPORTANT?  Agencies have limited resources and must maximize their use  Stakeholders, including funders want to see long term planning within organizations  In a changing environment, agencies must engage in strategic planning to remain sustainable

HOW DOES STRATEGIC PLANNING HELP?  It provides clear focus and aligns resources thereby producing more effective and efficient Board and staff operations  It builds stronger teams within the Board and the staff  It can create a positive culture  It can unite disparate programs or departments within an organization  It can solve major, complex problems in the organization  It can improve conditions for those you serve  It can improve the image (internally and externally) as the organization is well-focused and organized

CAN YOU CONDUCT IN-HOUSE STRATEGIC PLANNING?  Sure you can!  It can save resources,  You know your organization’s mission, programming, systems, business model, etc. better than an outside facilitator does.  But…  Be cautious about who you have facilitate or lead the process as biases can come into play  You should utilize a tool and resources to help guide the process  There are many to choose from. The organization and facilitator need to be comfortable with whatever is chosen

DO YOU NEED A CONSULTANT? Ask yourself the following questions:  Is your agency stable enough to engage in a strategic plan?  How committed are you to engaging in the process and following the plan?  What financial resources are available to hire a consultant?

QUESTIONS? DISCUSSION