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Planning for Strategic Planning • Paul Clarke Nonprofit Resource Center • Allen County Public Library
Planning for Strategic Planning
•Paul Clarke Nonprofit Resource Center•Allen County Public Library
What Strategic Planning…
IS:
•Defining Intention
•Written List
•Monitoring method
ISN’T:
•Written in Stone
•A Work Plan
•Incremental
Benefits of Strategic Planning
•Mission clarity
•Provides roadmap
•Anticipates change
•Improves decisions
Benefits of Strategic Planning
•Accountability
•Aligns board & staff
•Identify strengths
•Review opportunity
Why so fearful?
•Time
•Money
•History
•Board
Ask these questions
Sage-Fox.com Free PowerPoint Templates
Are we ready?
Do we have the money?
Do we implement plans?
Is the board committed?
Can the board agree?
Phase 1Planning to Plan
What kind of planning should we do?
Plan to Plan Step #1
1.Get Organized:
1. Select steering committee*2. Agree on WHY3. Decide on participants4. Outline process5. Get 100% commitment6. Decide about outside facilitator
Steering Committee or Task Force
• Why the group exists
• Expected accomplishments
• Who they are responsible to
• What they can and cannot do
• What their key tasks are
Plan to Plan continued
2. Take Stock (Situational Analysis)
1. Collect organization’s background2. Review agency’s past, present, &
future situation3. Identify key issues4. Survey stakeholders*5. Convene stakeholders
Methods of Info GatheringMethod Purpose Advantage Disadvantage
Surveys Quick, lots of info Nonthreatening Impersonal
Interviews Get more detail Flexibility, Build relationship
Takes timeCan be biased
Documentreview
Get impression of operation
Uses existing data Takes timeIncomplete info
Data analysis
Gather information about processes
Adaptable Complex
Focus groups
Explore topic in depth through discussion
Quick & reliable impressions
Needs good facilitator
Phase 2Understanding the Context
Putting it together
External InternalWhere You Are
•Analyze information
What does our history tell us we do well?What does our history tell us we should abandon?
Phase 3Agreeing on Purpose and Direction
Mission & VisionMission statement…
Think why not how
Vision statement…
Describes an ideal future
ACT provides food, clothing, and money to support the less fortunate.
ACT is an organization of people dedicated to improving the spiritual, physical, economic and societal conditions of communities.
“We are a strong, integrated system providing innovative programs and comprehensive services affecting generations to come.”
Phases 4Moving from Vision to Action
“If we achieved all these vision priorities, would we have achieved our vision?”
Define Goals and ActionsVision priority: We are nationally recognized among
professionals and policymakers.
Goal: Design and implement a comprehensive marketing plan by year’s end.
Action: Determine budget, timeframe & criteria for hiring a consultant to complete a marketing plan.
Phases 5Monitoring Progress
Plan to Plan Resources
-Driving Strategic Planning , Susan Waechter
-Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations, Michael Allison & Jude Kaye
-Strategic Planning Workbook, Bryan Barry
-Strategic Planning for Public & Nonprofit Organizations, John Bryson
-The Sustainability Mindset, Steve Zimmerman & Jeanne Bell
-Nonprofit Sustainability, Jeanne Belle, Jan Masaoka & Steve Zimmerman
-Nonprofit Strategy Revolution, David La Piana
Search: All About Strategic Planning: http://managementhelp.org/
Search: Strategic Planning for Dummies: http://dummies.com/
Facilitator’s Toolkit: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/ogm-old/Facilitation.pdf
Search: Strategic Plan Template for Do-Gooders: www.rebeccamacfarlane.com
Search: Nonprofit Strategic Planning Toolkit: www.bristolorganizations.org
Search: Publications>Strategy : www.bridgespan.org
Search: strategic planning: www.nonprofitanswerguide.org
Search: Matrix Map: www.blueavocado.org
Plan to Plan Resources
