DIY Strategic Planning for Small Nonprofits
This hands‑on workshop empowers small nonprofits to lead their own strategic planning process — no costly consultants required. Participants learn to gather and analyze data (surveys, interviews, program results, financials), facilitate productive staff/board discussions, and synthesize themes into a clear set of 3 – 5 strategic pillars. Using practical tools and examples, attendees build a draft strategic framework with goals, success metrics, and accountability structures — rooted in their mission, resources, and community needs.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Design a strategic planning timeline tailored to organizational capacity and calendar.
- Gather and synthesize input using stakeholder surveys, staff/board interviews, program evaluations, and financial reviews.
- Identify key themes and articulate strategic pillars through facilitated discussions with staff and board.
- Determine an appropriate number of pillars (typically 3 – 5) to balance focus with flexibility.
- Recognize common pillar domains (e.g., Program Impact, Fundraising & Sustainability, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership & Governance, Community Engagement, Internal Capacity/Operations).
- Facilitate conversations that prioritize and align ideas — managing competing interests and building consensus.
- Create a draft Strategic Framework that outlines goals, success metrics, owners, and review cadences.