There are many components that could be included in a strategic plan. You want to craft a strategic planthat is right-sized for your organization and reflects your values and culture, works for your current stage of development, and addresses the key questions you aim to answer through this process. This section outlines basic strategic plan components and additional items you might consider including. Chapter 4. Plan goes deeper into how these components can come together to form your organization’s strategic plan.
Basic Strategic Plan Components
Component
Mission
Vision
Values
Stategic Priorities
Objectives
Description
Your nonprofit’s purpose statement that describes the “what” and “why” of your organization, not the “how.”
A statement of what the world will be like when your nonprofit achieves its mission.
Enduring principles that guide your nonprofit’s actions and practices as you fulfill your mission and vision.
Broad goal statements that address how your organization will achieve its mission and intended impact during the planning period. Strategic priorities may focus on growth areas, change, innovation, or new work.
Specific, measurable, time-bound actions you will take to make progress toward each strategic priority.
Additional Strategic Plan Components to Consider
Component
Outcomes
Intended Impact
Identity Statement
Description
Tangible end results sought for each strategic priority. Outcomes represent changes in things like knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or conditions.
Specific results your organization aims to achieve within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 5-10 years). Intended impact identifies who is the population of focus, where the work will take place, and what specific outcomes will be achieved.
A one-page description of your organization at a moment in time, which includes critical information related to mission and vision, who you serve, where you work, programs you offer, how you are funded, and organizational strengths.