What are the steps of the strategic planning process?
Whether your board opts to facilitate the process with an internal or an external facilitator, here are some general steps to help you start the strategic planning process. • Get organized: Once you have your board’s commitment, hire outside help if needed, form a planning committee, and schedule dates for meetings and/or a retreat. • Analyze what’s current: Review the organization’s mission and history and identify each major area for discussion (financial management, fund development, accomplishments, communications, etc.). Talk to the local nonprofit community to better understand the current issues. • Develop a strategy: Determine whether your planning approach will focus on goals, critical issues (program emphasis, style of grantmaking, etc.), or scenarios (possibilities for the future). Once you’ve determined your approach, set your agenda. • Conduct the meetings: Convene the strategic planning group (all those involved in creating the plan) to generate the content for the plan.
