Information and planning that make the difference
 
 









Overview

Strategic planning can be instrumental in the long-term success of United Way. Many nonprofit organizations are wrapped up in the day-to-day concerns of providing services and do not take the time to adequately plan for the future. Facilitated strategic planning can bring together stakeholders from all areas of the organization such as the board, staff, management, volunteers and member agencies to plan for the future in a productive way.

Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. tailors strategic planning to fit the current situation and needs of the individual United Way. Using a mission-based approach, Perspectives works with organizations to understand the benefits of the organization and develop measurable goals for the future.

Organizations that have participated in a strategic planning process previously are encouraged to enhance and develop their current strategic plan, while organizations new to the strategic planning process will start with simple steps to reap the benefits of strategic planning.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning has been used by United Ways to:

  • Establish a common vision and focus for the organization
  • Prioritize areas of concern for the organization to allocate resources effectively
  • Set benchmarks for measuring outcomes and the performance of the organization
  • Develop plans and goals for the organization in areas like marketing and fundraising
  • Understand and prioritize the benefits of the organization to the community
  • Develop goals and objectives for an awareness campaign
  • Determine an appropriate message or messages for the organization

Strategic planning includes the review and analysis of the current situation, evaluating potential opportunities, and understanding the environment including: services, member agencies, fundraising, and promotional efforts. Since every United Way is different, Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. customizes the strategic planning process to meet each organization’s unique needs. Once basic information is collected, Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc. works with the organization to facilitate a direction for the future. One or more facilitated sessions are held with management, staff, board members, volunteers and stakeholders to reach understanding and consensus for the direction of the organization. The strategic plan is then formulated to reflect the goals of the organization, while outlining the actions necessary to achieve those goals.

Strategic Planning Outline

The following outline lists topics that could be included in the strategic planning process:

Mission and Vision

  • Review and confirm the mission of the organization
  • Develop a mission statement
  • Explore a three, five, or ten year vision of the organization
  • Focus the mission or vision of the organization

Competition

  • Determine the role of the organization compared to other nonprofits
  • Develop methods of differentiating the organization from others

Promotion

  • Develop a plan for increasing the exposure of the organization
  • Explore how the organization is perceived by member agencies, donors, stakeholders
  • Benchmark how the public understands the mission and services of the organization

Funding and Fundraising

  • Examine the financial needs of the organization
  • Explore potential funding priorities and directions
  • Understand why donors support the organization

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