Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide for Dynamic Times

by Michael Allison, Jude Kaye

The bestselling guide to nonprofit planning, with proven, practical advice

Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations describes a proven method for creating an effective, organized, actionable strategy, tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofit organization. Now in its third edition, this bestselling manual contains new information about the value of plans, specific guidance toward business planning, and additional information about the strategic plan document itself. Real-world case studies illustrate different planning and implementation scenarios and techniques, and the companion website offers templates, tools, and worksheets that streamline the process. The book provides expert insight, describing common misperceptions and pitfalls to avoid, helping readers craft a strategic plan that adheres to the core values of the organization.

A well-honed strategic plan helps nonprofit managers set priorities, and acquire and allocate the resources necessary to achieve their goals. It also provides a framework for handling challenges, and keeps the focus on the organization's priorities. Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations is an excellent source of guidance for managers at nonprofits of every size and budget, helping readers to:

Identify the reasons for planning, and gather information from internal and external stakeholders Assess the current situation accurately, and agree on priorities, mission, values, and vision Prioritize goals and objectives for the plan, and develop a detailed implementation strategy Evaluate and monitor a changing environment, updating roles, goals, and parameters as needed

Different organizations have different needs, processes, resources, and priorities. The one thing they have in common is the need for a no-nonsense approach to planning with practical guidance and a customizable framework. Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations takes the fear out of planning, with expert guidance on the nonprofit's most vital management activity.

Genres: Business, Professional Development, Leadership, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Grad School, Management

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 14, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Rilla Adcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive

[Tim Chase · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reduce to comics + 3 pages of content and might be good. Summary: make plan, execute plan, evaluate. 400+ pages waste

[Izetta Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely well organized and executed, I found this book very helpful in laying out how to do strategic planning. It is particularly helpful because it includes a CD-ROM (the rage in strategic planning books these days)as well as worksheets that can be used to guide the strategic planning process. The book is also useful in that it includes case studies from nonprofits engaged in strategic planning, along with alternative approaches to strategic planning. This book works well, not only for the novice, but also for strategic planners who are more experienced.

I hesitate to give the book 5 stars, because it lacks information about how to execute a communication strategy or plan to share what comes out of a strategic plan. Not having a communication strategy - or tips that such a strategy should be developed, seems to me, a pretty big omission, considering that communication and information sharing are generally expected in most nonprofits.

[Jennifer James]

This is a very practical, useful book full of worksheets which guide the reader step-by-step through the process of creating a strategic plan. I was asked to be on a strategic plan planning [sic] committee at work, and the committee chair recommended this book. I had no idea even what a strategic plan was, so I read it. I now have a sense of what we're going to be doing over the next academic year. I'll try to remember to write more about how useful it was (or not) once we've completed the process.

[Marsha Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the book was written from the perspective of a healthcare organization, it had some good templates and process for developing a strategic plan. Maybe I will write a book for Educational Strategic Planning similar to this since there is not one!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was told that this book is used as a text book for strategy students, and that definition definitely seemed to fit. Its very dense and a dry read, but there are tons of tools that can be useful if you're leading a strategic planning effort.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading for my Educational Planning class...it's good, but not my favorite topic.