Here's how you can employ logical reasoning to craft and execute strategic plans as a non-profit manager.

In my experience, strategic planning in the nonprofit should commence with the "why", "purpose" or initial vision of the founders. Followed by identifying the target beneficiaries, a needs assessment of the beneficiaries, and a thorough problem analysis. It is the problem tree emanating from the problem analysis that will inform the definition of the goal. As a rule of thumb, a strategic plan should have only one goal (main goal) and 3, 5, or more specific objectives. These result components at this level, are stated as completed actions in the future in the convergent model of planning

En plus de définir des objectifs SMART, envisageons l'impact de ces objectifs sur les parties prenantes internes et externes. Impliquer activement ces groupes dans le processus de définition des objectifs peut révéler des perspectives uniques, renfor?ant ainsi l'adhésion et l'efficacité du plan stratégique. Cette approche inclusive garantit que les stratégies ne sont pas seulement logiques et structurées, mais aussi profondément ancrées dans les valeurs et les besoins de la communauté que l'association cherche à servir.

Gathering data for strategic planning will start with the organization. Is the organization due for a strategic plan? What is the institutional capacity of the organization? What are the objects, and governing documents that are in place? Once these are handy for review, one can progress to gather information about the community, stakeholders, donors, beneficiaries etc.

Au-delà de la simple collecte de données, il est crucial d'adopter une démarche proactive pour interroger ces informations, questionnant non seulement ce qu'elles montrent mais aussi ce qu'elles dissimulent. J'encourage à chercher activement les lacunes dans les données, un pas qui peut révéler des besoins cachés ou des potentiels inexploités au sein de la communauté. Cette approche critique et inquisitive transforme la planification stratégique en un processus dynamique qui ne se contente pas de suivre les tendances, mais les fa?onne.

Resource assessment is crucial in strategic planning for non-profits. Use logical reasoning to evaluate current assets like volunteer hours, funding, and materials. Start by listing all available resources and identifying gaps needed to reach goals. Analyze how current resources are utilized, looking for inefficiencies. Prioritize critical needs and make trade-offs to allocate resources effectively, focusing on areas with the highest impact. Ensure long-term sustainability by planning resource use that can be maintained over time. This approach maximizes impact with the resources available.

Let's consider using a logical framework analysis (LFA) table at this stage. The first column is the results hierarchy starting with the main goal, followed by the specific objectives, outputs/deliverables, and ending with activities/actions components in that order. The good practice is to associate performance indicators (PI) with each outcome and output in the second column. However, the action component may not be linked to PI, the normal project documentation and reporting is enough at this level. The 3rd and 4th columns will house the associated means of verification (MOV) and risk/assumptions respectively.

Considérons l'importance de communiquer ouvertement les ajustements stratégiques à toute l'organisation. Cette transparence dans la mise en ?uvre ne renforce pas seulement la confiance, elle invite également à la collaboration, permettant à chaque membre de contribuer à l'adaptation du plan. En faisant de la mise en ?uvre une conversation continue plut?t qu'une série d'ordres, nous transformons les défis en opportunités d'apprentissage collectif et de renforcement de l'équipe.

Implementing a strategic plan usually involves drawing your action plan (annual plan) from it at the beginning of each year. The activity component serves as the entry point. It is wise to do a mid-term review of the plan after implementing for about 2 years if a 4-5 years plan.