Strategic Planning
Strategic planning for nonprofit organizations and foundations that increases your impact.
Make decisions that make a difference, advancing your mission. Stay ahead of trends, see things in new ways, and quickly move from analysis to action. With our powerful Real-Time Strategic Planning approach, we will guide you in finding powerful solutions to your overarching questions, then help you put it all into practice.
Real-Time Strategic Planning
We define strategy as: A coordinated set of actions designed to create and sustain a competitive advantage in achieving a nonprofit’s mission.
There are three levels of organizational functioning, each of which requires a different type of strategy: organizational, programmatic, and operational. The Strategy Pyramid below displays these levels.
Nonprofits should approach strategy development from the top of the pyramid, beginning with organizational strategy. Programmatic and operational strategies must align with your high-level strategic intent in a mutually reinforcing system.
Our Real-Time Strategic Planning methodology starts by identifying “Big Questions,” top organizational issues, during a strategy development session with key organizational leaders. This process includes:
Building on this foundation, we work with clients to find powerful solutions to their Big Questions, creating strategies that will guide the organization’s progress.
Get a head start on your next strategic planning initiative.
Gain expert insight from our experience helping nonprofits develop fast, flexible responses to changing times. We introduced this breakthrough guide in 2008 and recently released an expanded and updated 2nd edition that has become the definitive strategic planning resource for the social sector.
Client Spotlight
GRAND ST. SETTLEMENT
Facing critical questions about their century-old identity in the New York City of today, we helped Grand St. Settlement plan from a position of strength, prioritize their most pressing needs, and bring a fresh strategy to life.
Read full case study >>
Ready to Strengthen Your Strategy?
If you’re exploring how to set clearer priorities, align your team, or chart a path forward, we’d love to connect. Share a few details with us, and a member of our team will reach out to learn more about your goals and how we can support your organization’s next chapter.