August 2008 - The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real-Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid-Response Wo
Posted in NewsNotes Archive
|
Issue 74 |
NEWSNOTES is a monthly email newsletter published by NEW. It covers resources available at NEW in Ann Arbor and Detroit as well as items of interest to the nonprofit community in southeastern Michigan. NEWSNOTES is proud to celebrate its seventh year of publication, with delivery to over 1,300 subscribers every month! We welcome your This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !
NEW would like to recognize the generous support of its Community Partners: The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, the DTE Energy Foundation, The James A. & Faith Knight Foundation, The Lloyd and Mabel Johnson Foundation, Online Technologies Corporation, The Power Foundation, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. And special thanks to NEW's founding partner, the McKinley Foundation.
IN THIS ISSUE
| SPECIAL THANKS TO THE DOYLE FUND |
This month's articles and events about strategic planning are made possible through the generous support of the Doyle Fund for Nonprofit Workforce Capacity Building of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan |
LEAD STORY
The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real-Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid-Response World
By David La Piana*
Why do nonprofits need a strategy revolution?
For decades, nonprofits have used pretty much the same approach to strategic planning. It goes something like this: state the mission, vision and organizational values; do an environmental scan and SWOT; identify three critical issues and define goals and objectives to address them; write up the document and get the board to approve it.
Sound familiar?
This approach tends to produce plans that are more operational than strategic, with fairly specific goals and objectives for the next three to five years. The problem with this approach is that the world changes rapidly and continuously but the plan remains static. So, after six to 12 months, many strategic plans get out of date.
This is the reason that so many nonprofit leaders report that their strategic plans are not very useful, or even a part of their organization’s life. Strategic planning has become something nonprofits feel they must do, usually every three years, but far too often it is an activity that they get less value from than they should expect—or need, to face the challenges of the world they operate in.
Shift the strategic planning paradigm.
Our new Real-Time Strategic Planning (RTSP) model was developed out of a four-year foundation-funded research project. RTSP starts from a fundamentally different premise. Instead of planning being a once every three years undertaking leading to a definitive document that is expected to be valid for the next three years, we propose that the development of strategies to address specific issues is a continuous process.
While organizations still need an annual operational plan to detail what they will do in the coming year, what it will cost, and who they will need on staff to accomplish it, the revolutionary difference in RTSP comes from the understanding that strategy cannot be formed on a predictable three year cycle, that it is in fact everyone’s business, everyday.
Know who you are to know where you’re going.
To get people started on a new strategy track, we developed a one day kickoff session which helps nonprofits to define who they are. It looks at their geographic, programmatic and client scope, their competitive position, competitive advantages, and then helps them to define a Strategy Screen that will inform them as they make future strategic choices.
Clarifying the nonprofit’s identity during this process provides the foundation for approaching strategic challenges and opportunities moving forward. Rather than leaving nonprofit leaders with a long list of goals and objectives that they are not likely to implement as characterized by a traditional approach to strategic planning, the RTSP process equips leaders with a plethora of tools they can choose among, depending on their interest and need, as they develop strategies on an ongoing basis.
All in a day’s work.
The typical strategic planning process lasts six to twelve months and requires a huge amount of staff and board time. RTSP allows this investment to be spread over a longer timeframe (continuous involvement rather than a marathon every three years, then no activity in between). In this way, it both saves the organization time, and makes better use of the time actually spent.
Another benefit of this approach for some organizations is that a simple one-day kickoff session can do lots of good for a fraction of the cost of a full-blown traditional strategic planning process. Still, many larger and more complex nonprofits need a lot more help to develop the strategies they need, and for these groups consulting engagements may be longer, more intensive undertakings.
There is no one-size fits all in strategic planning.
My book The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution details many options for how your organization can approach strategic planning using the RTSP model because we believe that each nonprofit is unique and so must, in a sense, “invent” a strategy process that is appropriate for where it is at today. But the first step always will be pulling together a group of leaders and colleagues to talk about strategy: What do we need? Where do we want to go? Most often we will then move on to the one-day kickoff session – and from there the paths diverge, as each groups seeks to form its own destiny.
——————————————
*David La Piana is the founder of La Piana Associates, Inc. a national consulting firm dedicated to providing strategic solutions for nonprofits and foundations.
FEATURED ITEMS
Nonprofit Buzz: Strategic Planning
Thursday, August 28, 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
This month on The Nonprofit Buzz we will discuss strategic planning and the role plans play in the success and focus of nonprofits. Our guests will be Jim Frenza, principal of Frenza & Associates, LLC and Kathy Ferreira of La Piana Associates, Inc. We will discuss the traditional role of a strategic plan and then review some new research on planning with Kathy. Also, joining us will be Kristina Marshall, CEO of Winning Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth.
Listen to NEW's Internet radio program on the web on MetroChick Radio hosted by Lisa Marie. Past shows on a wide array of subjects are available as podcasts.
Get Connected with ResourceConnect!
Tuesday August 26, 3:30 – 5 p.m.
NEW Center, Ann Arbor
NEW’s ResourceConnect® program is offering a chance to join your peers for a quick get together addressing a different issue on the last Tuesday of each month. Pick up some new facts and/or techniques from a leader in the field in a one-hour session. Stay to network with old and new friends. Sessions will alternate between the NEW Center in Ann Arbor and Hannan House in Detroit.
The first Get Connected gathering, sponsored by the Doyle Fund for Nonprofit Workforce Capacity Building, will be held Tuesday, August 26 in Ann Arbor: The topic Strategic Planning for Beginners will be addressed by Stephen Nose, Principal, S|Y|N Associates.
Register online for $10 or $15 by phone (734-998-0160 x206) or fax (734-998-0163). We look forward to seeing you!
Save the Date: Tuesday, September 30, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Hannan House , Detroit: The Board's Role in Fundraising
To receive regular email announcements about Get Connected programs, contact Ann Gladwin This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (734-998-0160 x 218).
Introducing the Doyle Fund
NEW is pleased to recognize the sponsorship this month of the Doyle Fund for Nonprofit Workforce Capacity Building of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Their support made possible this month’s Nonprofit Buzz and ResourceConnect’s first Get Connected program, both focused on strategic planning.
The Doyle Fund invests in programs and resources to strengthen boards, staff, and volunteer leadership in the nonprofit sector. This resource for 21st century nonprofit leaders focuses on board development, evaluation, leadership development, partnership and collaboration, strategic planning, technical assistance and volunteer management.
The Doyle Fund is committed to increasing diversity on nonprofit boards and at senior leadership levels. The Board and Workforce Diversity Partnership Award aims to develop strong diverse boards by building the capacity of board members and CEO’s of color through education and training so they can effectively meet their fiscal and governing responsibilities in partnership with staff.
The Nonprofit Workforce Diversity Award aims to increase opportunities at the senior staff management level for individuals of color through education and training.
Nonprofit Day
Wednesday, September 24
Lansing
Come to Nonprofit Day in Lansing on September 24 to hear the experts discuss how the November election will affect the work of nonprofit organizations in Michigan.
ured After a morning plenary and workshops, the luncheon plenary will feature a panel fielding questions on such topics as the state budget, recruitment of talent, health care and economic development. The panel will be moderated by Craig Ruff of Public Sector Consultants, and will include Don Gilmer, former House Appropriations Chair and former State Budget Director; Jeannine La Prad, President and CEO of Corporation for a Skilled Workforce; John "Joe" Schwarz, former member of Congress and former Michigan State Senator; and Diana Sieger, Grand Rapids Community Foundation.
Registration is $40 for MNA members, $55 for non-members and $25 for full-time students. Find a full agenda on the Michigan Nonprofit Association’s website. A tour of the capitol building at the end of the day is a real treat if your schedule allows.
Detroit Fundraising Summit
September 9 - 10
McGregor Memorial Conference Center
Wayne State University, 495 W. Ferry Road, Detroit
The Center for Nonprofit Success is pleased to invite you to a two-day Fundraising Summit taking place in Detroit. Sessions will cover the tried and true methods of raising funds, and will offer techniques to enhance your relationship management skills.
Sign up and stay for the whole two days or choose and pay just for the sessions of interest to you.
Find more information about the Detroit Summit and register .
Eastern Michigan University Summit and Career Fair
Thursday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Featured EMU Student Center Ballroom, 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti
EMU is expanding their annual Nonprofit Volunteer and Career Fair this year to include a learning component. Inspiring the Seeds for Change will have morning workshops for both nonprofit organizations and potential volunteers and employees.
Spread the word about your mission and find new colleagues. The $25 fee covers participation in the fair and the summit, including lunch for one person. Registration forms and more details are available from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (734-487-2419).
Upcoming Trainings
See NEW’s statewide Training Calendar for a searchable listing of nonprofit-related workshops, webinars, and online trainings. Some selected educational opportunities:
-
Strategic Planning: Increasing the Impact!
Wednesday, August 27, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
A webinar with the Alliance for Nonprofit Management, presented by Frank Martinelli. $69.95. More information. -
BoardConnect® $50 for online registration
-
Starting Off Right: Board Member Orientation
Thursday, September 11, 4p.m. - 7 p.m., NEW Center, Ann Arbor -
Building Your Board
Tuesday, September 30, 9 a.m. - noon, NEW Center, Ann Arbor -
Starting Off Right: Board Member Orientation
Wednesday, October 1, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Arise Detroit -
Building Your Board
Thursday, October 2, 9 a.m. - noon, Hannan House, Detroit
-
Starting Off Right: Board Member Orientation
-
Conversations About Planned Giving: Real People Talking About Real Gifts
Wednesday, September 10, 8 a.m.
Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building
4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor.
Development staff, board members and executive directors from nonprofit organizations are encouraged to attend this free seminar as a team to learn how fundraisers can work with volunteers and advisors to obtain planned gifts. Registration and breakfast 8 a.m.; program and discussion 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sponsors: Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Please RSVP by September 3 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (734-944-7556). -
Outcome Thinking and Management: Shifting Focus from Activities to Results
Friday, September 19, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wayne State University, $195
The Foundation Center is bringing this dynamic seminar to Southeast Michigan for nonprofit executive directors and grantseekers to learn how to apply an outcomes approach to projects, produce better proposals, and report on project impact.
Get Assistance with Marketing Research
Perspectives Consulting Group, Inc., specializing in nonprofit market research, recognizes that limited funding and resources make it difficult for many Michigan nonprofit organizations to afford these services. They are therefore offering a custom-designed market research project to an East Michigan nonprofit organization. Should your organization’s application be chosen, the $5,000 in research services might be used to evaluate community awareness and perception, strengthen donor support, understand client needs, or facilitate increased partner support. Applications must be submitted by Friday, August 29.
For more information and an application form, visit the nonprofit research assistance program website or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (248-524-0332).
Macy’s Shop for a Cause
Saturday, September 20
Last year, Macy’s raised over $9,500,000 in a single day to benefit charities across America. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status are invited to participate this year on Saturday, September 20 to raise funds and awareness for their missions. Charities will sell special Macy’s shopping passes for $5 and keep 100% of the proceeds. The shopping pass equates to great savings for the customer, who is also eligible to win a $500 gift card, no purchase necessary.
For more information on how to participate, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (212-494-7285) or visit their website .
Detroit Regional Chamber Events
-
Annual Meeting
Thursday, September 11
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Registration 7:15 a.m.
Program 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Mix, mingle and hear about the Chamber’s successes of the past year and plans for the future. Get your picture taken with the Stanley cup! Get more information and register . -
5-Minute Networking
Friday, October 24, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Macy's - Somerset Collection
Take advantage of this quarterly event to talk up your mission and create new relationships. Registration and a map.
Reminders:
- Big House Big Heart Run, Sunday, September 28. Any nonprofit may host a team to run to raise funds.
REGULAR FEATURES
Nonprofit Advocacy Network Members of the NPAN list receive periodic e-mails regarding policy changes affecting nonprofit advocacy, legislative action alerts, and announcements of new publications or workshops.
