Strategy in Action: Bringing Nonprofit Plans to Life for the Public

 

At La Piana Consulting, we’ve partnered with hundreds of nonprofits to clarify strategy, set priorities, and align staff and boards around a shared vision. Our Real‑Time Strategic Planning  methodology helps organizations define what they stand for, where they’re headed, and how to get there.

But strategy doesn’t live only inside boardrooms and staff meetings. Increasingly, organizations are asking: How do we share our strategy with the world?

Public-facing strategic plans are more than just documents — they’re tools for transparency, engagement, and momentum. They show funders, partners, and the broader community not just what an organization will do, but why it matters. Done well, they invite people in — using visuals, plain language, and storytelling to connect strategy with purpose.

We help our clients craft engagement materials that reflect their values, mission, and strategy — documents that are visually compelling, audience-focused, and ready to spark action. Whether it’s shaping complex priorities into a concise visual roadmap, or translating mission and impact into a narrative that resonates, our goal is to help nonprofits bring their strategy to life for the world to see.

Here are five standout examples of our clients that have turned strategy into story:

 

American Association on Health and Disability ▪ Strategic Plan and Roadmap

AAHD’s first comprehensive Strategic Plan sets a bold course for advancing health equity for people with disabilities. Grounded in lived and professional experience, the plan focuses on three areas: leading disability research and policy, engaging and activating networks, and improving inclusion in public health. With clear priorities, accessible language, and a call to collective action, the roadmap communicates both vision and momentum for disability health justice.
View the plan and roadmap

 

Gamma Phi Beta ▪ Strategic Plan

Gamma Phi Beta’s plan balances clarity with engagement. Three pillars — Engagement, Business Model Innovation, and Technology Roadmap — are presented in concise, audience-friendly language, designed for members, alumnae, and partners alike. The plan communicates not only strategic priorities but also a sense of shared purpose and momentum.
View the plan

 

Magic Cabinet ▪ Growth Plan

Magic Cabinet’s Growth Plan charts a path for scaling its distinctive philanthropy model while staying grounded in values of equity and partnership. The plan frames priorities around deepening collaboration with nonprofit partners, expanding regional impact, and refining an innovative funding approach that centers trust and long-term sustainability. With its clear design and accessible storytelling, the plan makes strategy tangible and engaging for a broad audience.
View the plan

 

Santa Barbara Foundation ▪ Strategic Roadmap

Santa Barbara Foundation’s roadmap highlights three priorities — Embodying Ideals, Investing for Resilience, and Inspiring Giving — and ties them to the Foundation’s centennial vision. The result is a visually engaging, public-facing document that communicates purpose, direction, and impact in equal measure.
View the roadmap

 

YWCA Hamilton Ohio ▪ Strategic Framework

YWCA Hamilton Ohio’s strategic framework is a practical roadmap for driving equity and impact: it aligns vision, mission, and core values with clear actions for leadership, governance, and financial sustainability. By focusing on both internal growth and future expansion, this framework helps organizations stay mission-driven and results-oriented. It’s a smart, actionable model for any nonprofit seeking clarity and measurable progress.
View the Framework

 

Why Public-Facing Plans Matter

These five examples show that a strategic plan doesn’t have to stay behind closed doors. Public-facing strategy documents:

• Build trust by showing transparency and accountability
• Engage stakeholders through clear language and visually accessible design
• Inspire action by connecting mission, vision, and strategy in a compelling story

 

Translating Strategy into Story

These examples show that strategy can — and should — be shared. The most effective public-facing plans balance clarity and inspiration: they simplify complex priorities, reflect an organization’s mission and values, and invite stakeholders into the story. As more nonprofits embrace this practice, the key question becomes: how can strategy documents not only inform but also inspire? That’s a challenge we’re excited to continue exploring alongside our clients.