Nonprofits should engage in ongoing long and short-term strategic planning activities as necessary to determine the mission of the organization, to define specific goals and objectives related to the mission, and to evaluate the success of the organization’s programs toward achieving the mission.

A nonprofit should periodically revisit its mission (i.e., at a minimum every 5 years) to determine whether the need for its programs or services continues to exist. In light of societal changes and critical strategic issues, the organization should evaluate whether its programs should be modified, expanded, or discontinued to meet the mission.

The Standards for Excellence code does not specify a particular system of planning, however it asserts that each nonprofit’s board of directors should engage in ongoing planning activities. The board is legally responsible for setting direction, assuring the organization has needed resources, and overseeing operations of the nonprofit organization it governs. 

However, below is an outline of the steps generally used in a Strategic Planning process.

Steps to Engage in a Nonprofit Strategic Planning Process

1.    Conduct a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) , Environmental Scan, or SOAR Analysis (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results)

2.    Develop or revise the mission statement

3.    Create a plan that includes:

• Short-term, mid-range, and long-term strategies
• Goals and objectives
• Timelines
• Budgets
• Responsibilities

4.    Connect planning efforts with ongoing operations

5.    Measure progress and evaluate strategies

For access to a hands-on guide to strategic planning and other resources including our Strategic Plan Outline, Sample Strategic Plan Implementation Planning document, and Sample Strategic Plan Executive Summary, join the Standards for Excellence Institute. Located in Maryland? Join Maryland Nonprofits for these resources and more!

From the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. The Standards for Excellence code, developed by the Standards for Excellence Institute, includes specific benchmarks and measures that provide a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability in your nonprofit organization. The code identifies 6 major areas of nonprofit governance and management: Mission, Strategy, and Evaluation; Leadership: Board, Staff, and Volunteers; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development and Fundraising; and Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy.

The Standards for Excellence® Institute, a program of Maryland Nonprofits, provides the best possible resources to nonprofits nationwide, helping build their capacity to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of their communities. Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute gain access to an online community with an expansive library of resources and customizable templates. The Institute also offers nonprofit accreditation and recognition, a national network of consultants licensed to provide training on the Code, and professional volunteer opportunities.