What is strategic planning?
Strategic planning is looking at the big picture and reviewing where you have been, where you are, and where you should be going. It is understanding the environment your organization is working in and discovering your purpose and direction. Through analysis of your current position, your strengths and weaknesses, your competition, your mission and vision, and the capacity of your organization to set and reach your strategic goals, you will ensure you are establishing a path to follow into the future. If you do it right, this path will suit your goals, values, capacity, and resources!
There is no point in developing a strategic plan if you have no intention of following it. The leaders in the organization must be onboard. A thorough plan will include input from all stakeholders. In the social sector, this is extremely important. Board members, staff, clients, and supporters all have a stake in the success of your plan. Most organizations in the social sector depend heavily on community engagement for funding and volunteers. If you overlook this element in your plan, you will have more difficulty achieving your strategic goals.
Strategic planning also involves all aspects of the organization. This is where the "business" terminology can be overwhelming to the nonprofit world. It doesn't need to be overwhelming, however, when you understand how this approach can benefit the social cause of your organization, not just your financial success.