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 Are we ready? Do we have the money? Do we implement plans? Is the board committed? Can the board agree? Sage-Fox.com Free PowerPoint Templates
Phase 1 Planning to Plan
What kind of planning should we do?
Plan to Plan Step #1 1.Get Organized: 1. Select steering committee* 2. Agree on WHY 3. Decide on participants 4. Outline process 5. Get 100% commitment 6. 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 background 2. Review agency s past, present, & future situation 3. Identify key issues 4. Survey stakeholders* 5. Convene stakeholders
Methods of Info Gathering Method Purpose Advantage Disadvantage Surveys Quick, lots of info Nonthreatening Impersonal Interviews Get more detail Document review Data analysis Focus groups Get impression of operation Gather information about processes Explore topic in depth through discussion Flexibility, Build relationship Uses existing data Adaptable Quick & reliable impressions Takes time Can be biased Takes time Incomplete info Complex Needs good facilitator
Phase 2 Understanding the Context
Putting it together Analyze information External Internal Where You Are What does our history tell us we do well? What does our history tell us we should abandon?
Phase 3 Agreeing on Purpose and Direction
Mission & Vision Mission statement Think why not how 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. Vision statement Describes an ideal future We are a strong, integrated system providing innovative programs and comprehensive services affecting generations to come.
Phases 4 Moving from Vision to Action If we achieved all these vision priorities, would we have achieved our vision?
Define Goals and Actions Vision 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 5 Monitoring 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
Plan to Plan Resources 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
Thank You! mfauth@acpl.info www.pcnrc.org 421-1238