Nonprofits play a vital role as agents of positive change in the world. To drive that change effectively, executive leaders must have a clear vision and strategy.
No matter the size of the organization, developing a strategic plan is essential for sound governance, alongside tasks like preparing nonprofit annual reports. A well-crafted strategic plan guides board members by outlining how to operate efficiently and develop nonprofit fundraising ideas, while also ensuring the nonprofit stays focused on its mission.
For any strategic plan to be successful, it has to be written effectively enough to be clearly understood by all parties. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to write a nonprofit strategic plan.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A strategic plan for a nonprofit is a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the organization’s goals, priorities, and strategies for achieving its mission over a specified period. The plan helps align board members, staff, and stakeholders by clarifying roles, responsibilities, and resource allocation.
A strategic plan is typically formalized through a vote by a fundraising board or committee, but some organizations also work with external stakeholders or consultants during the development process.
Strategic plans can take different forms depending on your objectives. Here are the key components of a strategic plan:
- Mission Statement
- Vision Statement
- Core Values
- Environmental Analysis
- Strategic Goals and Objectives
- Action Plans
- Evaluation Metrics
A well-defined strategic plan can help secure technology grants for nonprofits and help raise money for a nonprofit.
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How to Write a Strategic Plan
1. Assess the Current State of the Nonprofit
To begin, conduct a SWOT analysis to learn about your internal strengths and weaknesses and explore how external opportunities and threats can impact the nonprofit. You should also examine other nonprofits with similar interests to your organization.
2. Define Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Clearly articulate the nonprofit’s purpose, long-term aspirations, and guiding principles. These statements provide a foundation for strategic planning and help ensure alignment with the organization’s goals and culture.
3. Set Strategic Goals and Priorities
Identify SMART goals that address key areas, such as program expansion, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development. Prioritize these goals based on their impact and feasibility.
4. Develop an Action Plan
Create a detailed action plan that outlines the necessary steps to achieve each strategic goal. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and determine critical resources. This plan should include timelines, budgets, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for tracking progress.
5. Monitor, Evaluate, and Adapt
Establish a system for regularly reviewing progress toward KPIs. Use performance metrics and feedback from stakeholders to evaluate effectiveness. Adjust strategies as needed to respond to changing circumstances, ensuring the nonprofit stays on track and continues fulfilling its mission.
Getting Started With OnBoard
Strategic plans are important to nonprofits because they provide a clear roadmap for achieving the organization’s mission and ensuring long-term sustainability. They help align board members by defining goals, priorities, and actionable steps.
OnBoard meeting software helps nonprofits streamline board management tasks and drive effective collaboration. OnBoard’s user-friendly platform centralizes document storage, automates meeting preparation, and ensures real-time access to board materials from the cloud. Key features include agenda creation tools, automated meeting minutes, secure voting, e-signatures, performance analytics, and more.
Planning a meeting? Use our free board meeting agenda template to streamline your next nonprofit board meeting.
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About The Author
- Gina Guy is an implementation consultant who specializes in working with nonprofit organizations get the most from their board meetings. She loves helping customers ease their workloads through their use of OnBoard. A Purdue University graduate, Gina enjoys refinishing furniture, running, kayaking, and traveling in her spare time. She lives in Monticello, Indiana, with her husband.
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