Strategic Planning Roadmap
Strategic planning at its best functions as a compass guiding a nonprofit through both familiar and unchartered territory.
Typically focusing on 3-5 years, it’s about figuring out where you want to go, the best way to get there, and what resources you’ll need along the way. Even when the path gets foggy, your plan helps you navigate and keep moving toward your vision.
It’s not just about mapping out your mission, vision, and values—it’s like having those trusty ‘bumpers’ that keep you from veering off track and chasing bright shiny things, like funding for projects that don’t quite fit.
Let’s face it, saying “no” to much-needed money is tough… but sometimes, it’s the best thing you can do for your cause! We’ve seen organizations spend years trying to get back to their true mission after veering off course because of well-intentioned but restrictive funding.
And here’s the kicker: the strategic planning process itself is incredibly valuable! By involving stakeholders at all levels, you’re creating a unifying experience that energizes and motivates your entire organization and community. It’s not just a long-term plan—it’s a powerful tool that shapes your future and keeps you on course for real impact.
However, strategic planning can feel daunting. That’s why you and your nonprofit’s leadership should take a moment to better understand what to expect and what will be expected of you.
Let’s begin with setting up your organization for success!
Are you overwhelmed by the thought of strategic planning?
Harper Consulting Group is here to ease some of that stress by guiding you through what you need to know. We’re going to start with a few steps that your organization should take before embarking on your strategic planning journey. We’ve also put together a PDF checklist that you can share with your coworkers and stakeholders!
Your organization should reflect on why you’re considering strategic planning
Make sure that you have clear goals to ensure your strategic plan addresses your needs. Identify any challenges or opportunities you are facing that require some planning.
Assess your organization’s readiness
Do your staff and board have the capacity to take on an in-depth planning process? Is there a shared understanding and desire for the need for a strategic plan?
Review your mission, vision, and values
While you’re looking at your organization’s needs and goals, it’s a great opportunity to judge whether these pieces need a refresh. Also, whether you need to revamp these statements can have a significant impact on the cost and time needed for your strategic planning.
Tips on hiring a nonprofit consultant for the strategic planning process
Bringing in an outside nonprofit consultant to lead your strategic planning process ensures everyone in your organization can jump in and contribute equally. A great facilitator knows the best practices—and they’re ready to pivot and adapt as things unfold…well, at least the good ones do!
To find a consultant who really clicks with your team, talk to at least two before making a decision. Start by asking around—your nonprofit peers may have solid recommendations, and we’re available for a free consultation!
Chatting with a few consultants will also help you figure out a budget and timeline for the project, so leadership can get on the same page about what it’ll take to pull off a successful strategic planning process.
Set up your strategic planning framework
Launching a successful strategic planning process relies on aligning expectations with your strategic planning consultant, Board of Directors, and staff leadership.
If you are unclear on the process or method for planning, now is the time to ask questions, push back, and/or refine goals for the project!
If you decide to hire a professional facilitator, they should provide detailed work plan suggestions including who needs to be involved, and at what times.
Deciding who should be on your Strategic Planning Committee is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. You want an equal distribution of key stakeholders including volunteers, key partners, and/or primary funders upon which you will rely to accomplish the work. Each person should also be an influencer/powerful voice in their represented groups.
This is the group that will recommend the plan for approval and provide the leadership for the whole organization in ensuring the plan is adopted and comes to fruition.
Dig In!
Once you are knee-deep in the strategic planning process, there are a couple elements you will need to include in order to get full buy-in for your plan.
Analyze your nonprofit’s level of functionality as an organization
A SWOT analysis is a great method to look into the strengths and vulnerabilities you face. This covers your capacity to adapt and grow as well as the sector and environmental influences facing your organization going forward.
Engage critical stakeholders
Possibly the most important thing you will do in a strategic planning process is engage a broad cross-section of people you work with and support as part of your mission. Stakeholders include staff, board members, volunteers, funders, service recipients, and legislators (if you do advocacy).
Revisit your core statements if needed
If you decided you need to revisit your core statements during this process, it is critical to do this after you have engaged and listened to your stakeholders. A separate committee to draft and edit your mission, vision, and value statements will be necessary to help this detailed process be as efficient as possible. No one loves wordsmithing with a large group of people!
Planning for Action
A strategic plan that doesn’t fit your needs won’t help your organization make an impact. Before you close out your planning process, take a little time to make sure your plan incorporates strategic priorities, strategies, goals, and metrics. Step back and reflect if your plan directly addresses the needs and goals you outlined at the beginning of the process. It can be easy to stray off course during the planning phase, especially if you don’t have an expert facilitator.
Securing your organization’s ability to make an impact doesn’t start and end with building a strategic plan. It is essential to create an action plan on how your organization will utilize your new strategic plan. Work plans include key activities that align with one or multiple strategic priorities, personnel involved, timing, and metrics. This work plan should be used throughout the year to make sure you are staying on target.
Implement and Evaluate
Strategic planning doesn’t end when the plan is written—it’s just the beginning! To get the most out of all the hard work you put into creating your roadmap, you need to focus on implementing and evaluating it effectively. Here are three essential steps to make it happen
Share the Vision
Once your strategic plan is finalized, don’t let it sit on a shelf! Share your vision and strategic priorities with key stakeholders, like staff, board members, donors, and volunteers. Clear communication ensures everyone understands where the organization is headed and their role in getting there. Think of it as rallying the team around a common goal!
Monitor Progress
Plans aren’t meant to be static. Regularly monitor how things are going—whether it’s through quarterly check-ins, metrics dashboards, or team meetings. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to pivot! Flexibility is the key to keeping your strategy relevant as circumstances change.
Reflect to Improve
At the end of your plan’s timeframe (usually 3-5 years), take the time to evaluate. Did you achieve what you set out to do? What worked, and what didn’t? These reflections aren’t just about celebrating successes—they’re about learning lessons to make your next strategic plan even better.
By following these steps, you’ll keep your strategic plan alive, actionable, and impactful.
Need more help with the strategic planning process? Contact our team of nonprofit consultants!
Our team put together a document that functions as your road map through the strategic planning process. If you and your colleagues want to use this document as you embark on your strategic planning journey, fill out the form below!