Plan for Action:  Strategic Planning for the Small/New Nonprofit

          One way to do it is with some structured planning that the board can undertake in its regular meeting. A planning process can help the board come together around its work, developing a shared understanding of its reason for being, building priorities and a team orientation, fostering communication. Most importantly, the planning process will result in active steps that will move the organization forward–its “To-do List”.

          The board may have developed a mission statement during its formation, but more is needed to direct the work of the organization.  Boards should also establish a vision–what the future will look like if the nonprofit succeeds in its mission–and values statements that will guide the work going forward. These can be developed with some directed brainstorming.

          With Vision, Mission, and Values statements in place, the board can begin to create its Action Plan. The Action Plan is built around Goals and Objectives, which, if achieved, will bring about the Vision.

          Formatting the Action Plan in to a checklist and revisiting it at every meeting, helps the board stay on track. Calendarizing an annual review of the plan ensures that action steps are carried out.

          Committed boards can carry out this work themselves, but sometimes an outside facilitator can help the board see its way more clearly.

          Want to learn more? Contact us, or attend our October 11 program!

 

 

 

One of the primary responsibilities of nonprofit boards of directors is to plan for the nonprofit’s future.  Tom Butero gave essential tools to help your nonprofit become a planning organization–one that looks ahead strategically and develops an action plan to take it to the next level.