Nonprofit strategic planning is a leap of faith. A board delves deep into the purpose of the nonprofit with the goal of meeting its vision and mission, all the while recognizing the insecurity of funding. The process of planning for 3 – 5 years out may require a board to visualize the nonprofit when they are no longer serving on the board. It requires a board to delve deep into why they exist and what they hope to accomplish for their community. It goes beyond yearly statistics of current success and aims for the big vision. A strategic plan is a long vision, broken down into one-year tactics.

In a perfect world, a nonprofit would actually work itself out of being needed, but decades of nonprofits prove this does not happen often. Actually, for many nonprofits, the need is growing and exceeds the current resources. Reliable funding, qualified staffing and time to achieve the goals are the 3-legged stool that every nonprofit must address.

Funding fluctuates yearly. Staff burn out and/or seek other opportunities. And then there is time. Time to raise community awareness and support. Time to provide the assistance. Time to measure the results. There may be yearly success, but the true measure is over years.

While the path of strategic planning for nonprofits is fraught with uncertainties and challenges, it is also paved with opportunities for profound impact and positive change. By committing to a long-term vision, grounded in the core mission, and backed by thoughtful, flexible strategies, nonprofits can navigate the tumultuous seas of funding fluctuations, staffing challenges, and the relentless passage of time. It is in these very challenges that the strength, resilience, and passion of a nonprofit shine brightest.