Build a strategic plan that delivers
Picture this. You’re leading a nonprofit with a big mission but limited resources. Your team is passionate. Yet you’re stuck reacting to daily fires instead of moving forward. Sound familiar? A GOOD strategic plan is your solution. At GMF Partners, we’ve helped many nonprofits create unique, short and effective strategic plans. Let’s explore why strategic planning matters and how you can build one that works.
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Strategic Plan
A strategic plan keeps your nonprofit on track. It aligns your team. It clarifies priorities. It shows donors you’re serious about results. Research shows 86% of nonprofits with strategic plans see INCREASED revenue from grants and donations. That’s huge! A solid plan helps you work smarter, not harder, so your mission thrives.
Take Anna, a nonprofit director. Her team was stretched thin, juggling programs and fundraising with no clear direction. After creating a strategic plan, they set focused goals. They streamlined efforts. Within a year, they built a new monthly donor program that brought in over $70,000 new revenue in year one. That’s the power of planning.
Steps to Craft a Winning Strategic Plan
Ready to build your nonprofit’s roadmap? Here are five practical steps to get started.
- Clarify Your Mission and Vision
Your mission is your nonprofit’s core. Make sure it reflects what you do today. Gather your team. Ask: Does our mission still fit? Then define your vision. Where do you want to be in three years? This sets the stage for everything else.
- Do a SWOT Analysis
A SWOT analysis looks at Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. What’s your nonprofit great at? Where do you struggle? Are there new grants or partnerships to explore? What risks, like funding cuts, should you plan for? This step keeps your plan grounded.
- What are your pillars?
Every table has 4 legs or pillars. What are the main posts that keep your nonprofit stable? Set high level goals and determine what are the supporting objectives to get you there. For example, don’t just say our goal is to “Raise more money.” Try, “Grow individual donations by 10% in 12 months with targeted campaigns.” Clear goals keep everyone moving forward.
- Set up a strategic monitoring committee
Build accountability into your plan by setting up a monitoring committee that checks in on the plan every quarter. This is an important piece to the puzzle if you really want to stay focused on implementation of your plan. Adjust goals as needed. This keeps your plan alive and relevant.
Mistakes to Avoid
Strategic planning has pitfalls. Here’s what to watch for.
- Keep your plan short and to the point. Big complex plans usually collect dust.
- Vague Goals. Unclear targets lead to confusion. Be specific.
- No Follow-Through. A plan that’s ignored fails. Schedule regular reviews.
- Skipping Stakeholders. Without buy-in from your board and staff, your plan won’t stick. Involve them early.
- Overreaching. Big dreams are great. Unrealistic goals can discourage your team. Find balance.
Start Your Journey Today
A strategic plan is your nonprofit’s ticket to growth. It focuses your efforts. It inspires your team. It shows donors you mean business. At GMF Partners, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Want more tips on growing your nonprofit? Check out our blog on Donor Love: The Power of Gratitude in Fundraising for ways to connect with donors.
