Strategic Plans for Nonprofit Success
A strategic plan is a beneficial tool for any endeavor. A well-defined plan of action with achievable goals and measures helps keep all stakeholders on mission and focused on results. A nonprofit organization, particularly a new one, is driven by passion to serve a need in the community. Many nonprofit stakeholders have some personal experience with the mission and feel the passion that drives the organization. Also beneficial to the administration and effectiveness of the organization is a sound business plan and responsible governance methods.
The National Council of Nonprofits (NCN) says, “A strategic planning process identifies strategies so that a nonprofit will achieve its mission. Ideally, as staff and board engage in the process, they become committed to measurable goals, approve priorities for implementation, and also commit to revisiting the organization’s strategies on an ongoing basis as the organization’s internal and external environments change. Many nonprofits start the process by identifying the nonprofit’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, in what is commonly called a “SWOT” analysis.”
SWOT
Strengths—positive assets within the organization. Examples might include a highly respected board member, a talented group of volunteers, or ownership of valuable intellectual property, such as a book or software.
Weaknesses—negative aspects within the organization. Examples might include a shortage of volunteers or outdated technology.
Opportunities—positive elements outside your organization. Examples might include a high demand for your services or the availability of a grant in your topic area.
Threats—negative elements outside your organization. Examples might include a competing nonprofit organization or the demise of a major funder.
The NCN identifies the key to doing a SWOT analysis is to think about ways to maximize the positive and minimize the negative elements. Brainstorm about ways to use your strengths to take advantage of existing opportunities and to overcome threats you’ve identified. Also focus on how you will minimize your weaknesses to make your group less vulnerable to threats.
What does a strategic plan entail?
These specific points are recommended by the NCN as cornerstones of any nonprofit strategic plan. Each section is typically a few paragraphs to a few pages long.
- A mission statement—the mission statement of a nonprofit organization is a clear description of the reason the organization exists. It should be the first section of any strategic plan.
- An outline of goals, objectives, and activities—this is the bits-and-pieces of the mission efforts; the specific objectives, activities, and expected results of the work undertaken.
- An assessment of current resources—an accounting of what is on hand and available to help accomplish the mission objectives; real estate, mechanical assests, facilities, etc.
- A strategic analysis—a roadmap for the future based on everything you know of the past and the current activities of the organization and how it is to situate itself for future success.
Your organization’s strategic plan is the guidebook for its mission. It will identify specific timelines (months or years) for projects and initiatives, and it will outline how these goals will be achieved. It becomes the master plan for the operation of the organization.