The Cape Cod Times recently published an article by Marc L. Goldberg about strategic planning for nonprofits. According to research by David La Piana, “Sound strategy is at the heart of good nonprofit leadership.” Strategy advances the nonprofit’s mission resulting in financial and organizational sustainability. The article suggests that nonprofits should ask questions such as “What is our ‘business’?”, “Who are our ‘clients’?”, “What are our core competencies?”, “Who are our competitors and how do we compare?”, “What programs should we offer?”, “What is our position in the marketplace?”, and “What political, economic, and technological trends will impact us?” to begin their strategic planning. The article also states that the only real difference financially between a for-profit and a nonprofit is the tax status, and that both types of organizations need to be managed in the same way.
Opinion:
Strategic planning is an important part of any organization's success, and nonprofits are no exception. While the article provides some useful tips for nonprofits to consider when planning strategically, it is important to remember that each organization is unique and will have different needs and goals. It is also important to consider the context in which the organization is operating and the resources available to it. Strategic planning should be tailored to the individual organization's mission and goals, and not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
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