Strategic planning is more than a document—it’s a living process that keeps your nonprofit focused, adaptable, and positioned for long-term success. Without a clear plan, nonprofits often find themselves reacting to challenges rather than proactively steering toward their mission.
An effective strategic plan helps ensure that every dollar raised, every decision made, and every resource allocated contributes to measurable impact.
Here’s how to strengthen your nonprofit’s strategic planning process:
✔ Set Measurable Goals Aligned with Your Mission
- SMART Goals: Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Example: Instead of “expand our tutoring program,” say, “Increase the number of students served in our tutoring program by 25% within the next 12 months.”
- Mission Alignment: Every goal should answer: Does this directly support our core purpose? If an initiative doesn’t align with the mission, it might not be a strategic priority.
- Stakeholder Input: Engage staff, board members, donors, and beneficiaries in goal-setting to ensure that all perspectives are considered.
✅ Example: A food bank’s mission is to fight hunger. Instead of vaguely saying, “We want to feed more people,” they set a SMART goal: “Increase the number of meals distributed by 20% within two years by expanding partnerships with local grocery stores and launching a new volunteer recruitment initiative.”
✔ Include Adaptable Resource Allocation Strategies
A great plan isn’t rigid—it adjusts to funding changes, new opportunities, and external challenges. To stay flexible:
- Prioritize Funding & Expenses – Identify must-have expenses (staff, rent, core programs) vs. scalable expenses (pilot programs, events, technology upgrades).
- Scenario Planning – Prepare for best-case, expected, and worst-case funding scenarios so your nonprofit isn’t caught off guard.
- Leverage Partnerships – Instead of building everything in-house, explore collaborations that could stretch resources further (e.g., shared office space, pooled grant funding).
- Diversify Revenue Streams – Relying too much on a single grant or fundraising event is risky. A strong plan includes multiple revenue sources (e.g., major gifts, grants, monthly donors, corporate sponsors).
✅ Example: A nonprofit planning to open a new community center should not only estimate construction costs but also plan for sustainable funding—covering operational costs beyond the grand opening.
✔ Update Regularly Based on Performance Data
A strategic plan is not a one-time exercise; it should be evaluated and updated regularly to reflect progress, challenges, and changes in the nonprofit landscape.
- Quarterly Check-ins: Review progress against goals. What’s working? What needs adjusting?
- Annual Review: Update the plan based on financial performance, program impact, and external factors like policy changes or economic conditions.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Identify metrics to track success. These could include donor retention rates, number of people served, or program growth percentages.
- Be Willing to Pivot: If a fundraising strategy isn’t delivering results, revise the plan. If community needs shift, reassess program priorities.
✅ Example: A youth mentorship nonprofit planned to double participation in its after-school program, but six months in, transportation issues were limiting access. Instead of sticking rigidly to the plan, they adjusted by securing a transportation partner to solve the barrier.
Final Thought: Make Planning a Habit, Not a One-Time Event
Many nonprofits create strategic plans and never look at them again. The most successful organizations integrate planning into their culture—measuring, adapting, and evolving based on real-world results.
Does your nonprofit have a current strategic plan? If it’s more than three years old or hasn’t been reviewed in the last year, it may be time for an update! Let’s start a conversation on how to keep your nonprofit’s roadmap clear and actionable.
About Angie Thompson
Angie Thompson is an independent consultant with 40 years of experience bridging the gap between for-profit strategy and nonprofit impact—helping organizations craft powerful messaging, engage supporters, and drive lasting growth. She is a proud member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), dedicated to advancing ethical and effective fundraising practices.
Would you like support in assessing or strengthening your nonprofit’s best practices? Let’s connect!