The Prepare stage sets the foundation for your process. Through the Prepare stage, you will:
- Assess and affirm why now is the time for strategic planning.
- Shape what the process will look like.
- Determine who will be involved.
- Begin to explore key questions facing your nonprofit.
- Identify needed resources to support the strategic planning process.
“Planning to plan” is key to a successful strategic planning process. Achieving a truly strategic and thoughtful plan needs an effective process that is inclusive, transparent, and well informed. Intentional preparation creates space for setting expectations, challenging assumptions, and gaining shared understanding around your process. Neglecting the Prepare stage may lead to unexpected challenges later or a long, drawn-out process that does not yield your desired end result.