Don’t Write Another Plan That Sits On A Shelf
Our plans are built for the real world. We design processes to help groups understand where they are and provide tools to help plan for the future. Effective strategic planning will help you move from reactive to intentional. Our process is rooted in creativity, engagement, and skilled facilitation and project management.
Most strategic plans fail in one of two ways. It’s written by a small group and doesn’t reflect how the community and team see the organization. Or the plan commits to more than the team can realistically deliver. Both are process problems, and both are avoidable.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
Talk about your plan
Our Strategic Planning Process
No two organizations are the same, and no two plans should be either. Every planning project is shaped around your organization, but it’s built on a solid foundation of best practices. At every stage, you’ll know exactly what we’re doing and what we need from you.
- 01Understand where you are
We read what already exists: the last plan, budgets, historical documents, impact data, and more. We interview key staff and board members. Most organizations know their own problems and dreams. It’s our job to help uncover them.
- 02Listen to your stakeholders
We listen deeply to staff, board, funders, partners, and the community you serve. We build fun, participatory processes that are not extractive, they’re collaborative. This step helps ensure the plan is rooted in reality and gives it credibility. People support what they help build.
- 03Get clear on strengths
Strengths-based is one of our core values: we work from what’s already strong rather than starting with the deficits. It’s a small shift that changes what a planning room feels like and what the group can imagine for its future.
- 04Dream and make choices
We run a facilitated session, or a series of sessions, where the group envisions the future it wants to build. Drawing on the data gathered earlier, they decide what to do, and how to make space for that new vision.
- 05Write it down and figure out implementation
We help draft a plan with owners, timelines, and measures. One that is clear and short enough that people read it. Plus, we help develop adaptive implementation tools, so the plan stays on track and responsive to change.
What A Nonprofit Strategic Plan Includes
Every organization is different, but these are key pieces we include in most plans.
Mission, vision, and values
Our plans are rooted in who you are, what you value, and the change you want to see. We revisit these, and work with clients to ensure they are meaningful.
Strategic priorities
Three to five, not fifteen. We help you choose priorities rooted in data and your strengths.
Goals with owners
Every goal belongs to a person and has a date. Plans without owners are wish lists.
Stakeholder findings
To guide decision-making, we compile what we heard from interviews, surveys, and document review into a clear report the group uses to select priorities.
Measures that are realistic
Indicators that are easy to track with the staff you have, not a dashboard that needs a full time analyst.
A review rhythm
Set a realistic rhythm for progress monitoring and adapting to change.
An Art District That Had Grown Faster Than Its Plans
An art district had experienced massive growth. The organization had a patchwork of plans and so many creative ideas. They also had different stakeholders wanting different things, everything from improved parking to youth programs.
We worked with local artists, businesses, and residents to understand where their needs aligned. We helped staff and the board get clear on their strengths. We shined a light on how growth had changed community desires.
The final plan was responsive, clear, and gave the district a shared vision to grow toward, not just react to.
Bring In A Facilitator, Or Bring In A Plan
Some organizations just need someone impartial to conduct the facilitated sessions, so staff can take part fully instead. Others want the whole process, from stakeholder interviews to the written plan.
We do both!
Facilitation and training
What Our Clients Say
Purpose Aligned has been a superior partner to the RiNo Art District over the years. They have helped the district in everything from Strategic Planning to Board Development and Organizational Structure. Kerri is thorough, direct, and fun to work with. Her work has helped the district grow and adapt in our ever-changing environment while helping us plan for our future. She works well with internal staff, board members, stakeholders, and the greater community.
Kerri and her team at Purpose Aligned Consulting supported us through a tricky planning stage, and I am so glad we chose to work with her! I am also particularly happy we chose to work with a team that understood the importance of language access and cultural competency. I would absolutely rehire and recommend Purpose Aligned Consulting for future projects.
Strategic Planning, Answered
How long does a strategic planning process take?
It varies with how much stakeholder engagement the plan needs and how available the team is. We work with you to develop a schedule that takes into consideration your organizational calendar and program needs.
Who needs to be involved?
The board and the senior staff at minimum. We recommend that staff at all levels are engaged in some way to ensure the plan is realistic and has successful implementation. Beyond that, it depends on the plan. Most organizations need community voices in the process. Without them, the plan won’t reflect what the community actually needs.
We have a plan already and nobody uses it. Can you fix that?
Often, yes. Common causes are that tasks have no owners or that there are no real timelines or metrics. Building a new implementation plan and tools can help. If, however, the plan was not realistic or responsive to real needs, we might need to start again.
Can you just facilitate the retreat?
Yes. See facilitation and training. Plenty of organizations bring us in for the room and write the plan themselves.
Do you work outside Colorado?
We do. We are Denver based and much of the work is Colorado work, but planning processes run well remotely and we have clients outside of the state.
Explore Our Other Services
Grant Writing
Prospect research, writing, coaching, and submission. Showcase your good work and increase your budget.
Learn more →Facilitation & Training
Retreats, community meetings, and training on nonprofit management topics.
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Strengthen what works or create new programs.
Learn more →Meet the Team
The grant writers, facilitators, and strategists behind the work.
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