Starting A Non-Profit: Strategic Planning

It is interesting to note that the size of any organization has a major role in determining the objectives and activities of that organization rather than its cult image of for-profit or non-profit. Small non-profit and for-profit organizations function in the similar lines that are strikingly different from the bigger versions of the same genre.

However, it does not mean that there are no differences between the lines of functioning of these two at all. There are certain characteristic differences between non-profit and for-profit organizations especially in the planning segment. While for-profits, stress on profit making activities, the non-profit tend to focus on matters of board development, fund mobilization and volunteer management. Thus, Non-Profit Strategic Planning is all about ensuring the interest of the board and the overall development of its various units. Non profit organizations underscore on garnering funds with not many other planning activities

The newly set up non-profit organizations need to start from the scratch in making a formal plan including all the vital considerations, applicable to a typical start up non-profit organization. While in the case of pre-existing non-profit, a long term planning with inputs from the activities of the past many years is essential to steer clear of the past flaws and to achieve the organizational goals. A strategic plan helps you to aim for the future from the present position. Ideally a strategic plan is designed for a period of 3-5 years with the following inputs and statistics.

• Mission statement with the objectives and activities of organization: Reiterate your commitment to the cause for which the organization was set up and focus on the line of activities to make sure that you are right on track. It also helps to take stock of the present set up and to set out on any damage control exercises that might be required
• Vision statement that projects the future goals: it helps the members and donors of your non profit organization to know more about the future prospects of the company. It also helps you to garner the much required publicity from the general public, which helps to generate enquiries and to draw more members into your fold.
• Values and policies of the organization
• Assessment of the present situation and prevailing conditions of the non-profit organization: It is one of the most important part in the strategic plan of any organization as it is the sum total of the performance and achievements till date and the minor blemishes if any that you would like to solve in the coming years.
• Immediate and long term goals:
• Strategic planning to meet the objectives
• Last but not least put in the best effort to convert all the strategic plans into reality. Success is all yours.