Strategic Planning with integrated development strategy

How do you lead your organization in crafting a strategic plan?

Many organizations put a lot of effort and intellectual energy into developing a visionary strategic plan. More often than not, only when it is signed and sealed, is it then turned over to the Chief Development Officer... who must draft a development plan that supports the strategic plan.

Too often, the price tag for achieving the aspirational goals of the strategic plan far exceeds the organization's fundraising history and capacity. This reality can create a difficult situation for the leadership. In my experience, the organization's success is more likely to be achieved when both the strategic and the development plans are hammered out simultaneously. It is essential that, as the leadership determines timelines and goals for growth, it also think through the "where" and "how" of the required funding.

Where are you in your planning process? Do you review both plans on a rolling, or annual, basis? Are you concerned about where your funding will come from? Do you have a diversified group of funders? Are you confident about your projections for unrestricted revenue? 

I will work with you to engage your stakeholders and to prepare a strategic plan with which you can achieve the revenue growth you need for mission success. 

There are several steps and factors that make up the strategic planning process, and you can count on me to provide expert counsel and guidance.  These are some of the steps to consider:

• Assess your current plan

• Identify challenges and roadblocks (internal and external)

• Align benchmarks (mission, goals, and revenue)

• Lead organization-wide strategic planning process

• Guide leadership on modeling culture of philanthropy

• Message (review organizational coordination)

• Engage your board