Everything you need to know about strategic planning if you work in the not-for-profit sector

On our website, you will find a lot of information about how to create your strategic plan.

Since our re-emergence from COVID, many organisations in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector are considering their long-term organisational direction. 

Beacon Strategies has supported many organisations in the NFP sector design their strategic plan and we are now passing on to you, the knowledge and processes that we have developed along the way.

What Strategic Planning Stage are you at?

1. I’ve only just decided I need one

   If you’re just starting your strategic planning journey for your NFP and want to understand why you need one and what is involved, check out this blog:

   What is strategic planning?

2. I’m ready to plan

   If you’re ready to begin the NFP strategic planning process and are needing an in-depth look at the stages involved, read this:

   A comprehensive strategic planning process

3. I’m writing my plan

   You’re ready to go — you understand the steps involved and need to start pulling the plan together. Use this template to get started:

   A strategic planning template

Still need help?

These blogs aim to give you a broad understanding of strategic planning for your not-for-profit — from defining the process and the related concepts, all the way through to implementation. While they don’t go into finite details about the process, they should give you what you need to get started!

However, if you still have any questions that aren’t covered in these blogs, please don’t hesitate to contact our team! We do this every day and can help your organisation create a thorough strategy plan.

Below, we’ve listed a set of resources that might help answer some of your questions before coming to us.

Helpful strategic planning resources

1. Allison, M., & Kaye, J. (2nd ed, 2005). Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide and Workbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/_/ZUQcTr-cQMoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT12&dq=strategic+planning+nonprofits. 

2. Bryson, J., & Alston, F. (2nd ed, 2005). Creating your strategic plan: A workbook for public and nonprofit organisations. Jossey-Bass. https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/_/wJA1jzIAwb0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PR7&dq=creating+and+implementing+your+strategic+plan

3. Collins, J., & Porras, J. (10th ed, 2005). Built to last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies. Random House Business Books. Retrieved from: https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/_/hx6kmBa5EHMChl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA1&dq=Jim+Collins+and+Jerry+Porras+built+to+last.

4. Beacon Strategies strategic planning projects 

   Strategic Planning: StandBy- Support After Suicide: https://beaconstrategies.net/projects/2020/11/10/standby-support-after-suicide-strategies-planning 

   Strategic Planning Support: Footprints Community: https://beaconstrategies.net/projects/footprints-strategic-planning-support-for-footprints-in-brisbane 

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