Strategic planning serves as a compass for nonprofits, guiding their mission, defining their goals, and setting a clear direction. Nevertheless, the strategic planning process is often fraught with missteps that can derail an organization's progress.
In a podcast interview on Using The Whole Whale (part of the Nonprofit.ist podcast network), Carol Hamilton shared her experience on the major ways nonprofits fail in the strategic planning process.
Nonprofit strategy consultant Carol Hamilton highlights the top five strategic planning mistakes that nonprofits commonly encounter:
1. Inadequate Stakeholder Involvement
A strategic plan developed exclusively by senior leadership and board members may lack diverse perspectives and undermine plan buy in. In contrast, a collaborative approach that includes all staff levels can lead to a more comprehensive plan with wider organizational support. In her experience, Hamilton finds that there's often a much higher consensus on strengths, challenges and goals across various roles within the organization than leaders expect.
2. Failure to Translate Plan to Action
Complex, voluminous strategic plans often end up neglected. Instead, a successful strategy should be succinct, actionable, and seamlessly integrated into daily operations. Clarifying immediate actions—assigning tasks and deadlines within the first year—is crucial for momentum.
3. Crafting Overambitious Goals
Visionary aspirations are essential, yet they must align with the nonprofit's current capabilities. If the goals are excessively ambitious without a feasible roadmap, they are unlikely to be realized. Ensure that the strategic plan remains grounded in reality.
4. Overloading the Plan with Goals
Focusing on 3-5 key objectives will allow your nonprofit to channel its efforts more effectively. Attempting to tackle too many goals simultaneously can dilute focus and hinder achievement.
5. Vague Responsibilities and Deadlines
In the year 1 (or first 6 months) implementation plan, goals should be prioritized. Then each prioritized goal should be accompanied by explicit action steps, designated responsibilities, and specific deadlines. A detailed approach to accountability fosters progress for shorter time frames and keeps the strategic plan on track.
By steering clear of these pitfalls, nonprofits can craft an effective strategic plan that not only defines their direction but also enhances organizational growth. An inclusive planning process fosters alignment and strengthens team relationships, while focused implementation ensures that strategic planning is a worthwhile endeavor for the nonprofit sector.
Strategic Planning FAQs:
Q: What is strategic planning in the context of nonprofits?
A: Strategic planning for nonprofits involves setting goals, defining a clear direction, and outlining the steps necessary to achieve their mission and drive growth.
Q: Why is inclusive strategic planning important?
A: Inclusive strategic planning ensures that all staff levels are represented, leading to broader agreement on goals, stronger buy-in across the organization and a higher likelihood that the plan will be put into action.
Q: How many goals should a nonprofit strategic plan focus on?
A: To maintain focus and effectiveness, a nonprofit strategic plan should concentrate on 3-5 key goals at any given time.
Q: What is the best way to ensure a strategic plan is actionable?
A: To make a strategic plan actionable, it should be simple, focused. An implementation plan should then incorporate clear action steps, responsibilities, and timelines for the first year (or shorter time frame depending on the organization).
Q: How does strategic planning contribute to nonprofit growth?
A: Strategic planning provides a roadmap for decision-making and resource allocation, fostering alignment, enhancing relationships, and driving disciplined implementation that contributes to organizational growth.
