Creating a measurable, reflective 3- to 5-year strategic plan is a critical function of nonprofit organizations. The strategic plan is a process that connects the mission, vision, and values of an organization to focus on priorities, goals, and objectives. The board of directors has the legal responsibility to assure that the organization it governs has the resources necessary to implement operations; therefore, every nonprofit organization should craft and implement an effective strategic plan. This workshop delivers a practical, step-by-step approach to strategic planning that covers how to gather and analyze the data you need to make informed decisions, who to involve at what steps in the process, and how to construct the necessary components of a strategic plan. Further, this workshop will help participants identify how to integrate the plan at all levels of the organization. Participants will be able to identify ways in which the strategic plan impacts the following organizational functions:

• Better understanding of the organization
• Improved decision making
• More effective communication/increased teamwork
• Deeply engaged board members
• Strong momentum, focus, and a proactive approach
• Enhanced mission fulfillment/community impact
• Learned the relationship between planning and organizational effectiveness
• Learned the basic steps and major challenges in the planning process
• Acquired practical tools and techniques to help create a strategic plan and prepare for the planning process

Course Materials

• Video Presentation (approx. 90 minutes)
• Participant Guide (30–40 pages)
• Related Readings

The Participant Guide contains: course objectives, an outline of the course, learning activities related to the course, a glossary of terms, supplemental materials, biographical information, contact information, featured organizations from the case studies, Q&A with faculty, a bibliography, an organizational assessment tool, and an action plan template.

Course materials are designed with working professionals in mind. The entire course can be completed independently and at your own pace. All course materials can be accessed for one full year from the date of purchase.