Difference between revisions of "NGO Strategic Planning"

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==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
Several years ago a friend who worked in the private sector suggested that I create a personal vision statement to consider my future. His multi-step process of creating a statement proved to be an effective strategy that I continue to use and recommend. This personal vision statement closely relates to the strategic planning process for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The planning process establishes a framework for organizations to assess their past, present and future. Such planning is particularly important today as NGOs represent an increasing number of causes around the world and answer to many different interest groups. The following article details the importance of a strategic plan, the variety of methods available to organizations, the implement process in an NGO as well as helpful Internet sites.  
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Several years ago a friend who worked in the private sector suggested that I create a personal vision statement to consider my future. His multi-step process of creating a statement proved to be an effective strategy that I continue to use and recommend. This personal vision statement closely relates to the strategic planning process for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The planning process establishes a framework for organizations to assess their past, present and future. Such planning is particularly important today as NGOs represent an increasing number of causes around the world and answer to many different interest groups. The following article details the importance of a strategic plan, the variety of methods available to organizations, the implement process in an NGO as well as helpful Internet sites. <membersonly>
  
 
==Strategic Planning: Definition==
 
==Strategic Planning: Definition==
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==Case Studies:==
 
==Case Studies:==
 
===Citizen’s Committee for Children of New York (CCC)===
 
===Citizen’s Committee for Children of New York (CCC)===
The consulting firm, TCC Group, cites one important case where they assisted a New York City nonprofit on a strategic plan that experienced positive results.  Mittenthal, President of TCC Group, details how the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCCNY) worked with TCC Group to devise a strategic plan focusing on reassessment of service delivery and available resources and was timed to begin with the organization’s 50th anniversary (Mittenthal 2002, 9).  Surprisingly, CCC gained a great deal more than a reassessment of their work, mission and internal resources.  As Mittenthal states, “the plan helped CCCNY double its fundraising within two years, becoming an even stronger and more effective advocate for children while eliciting the single largest funding increase for children’s mental health programs in the history of New York State” (Mittenthal 2002, 9). These unexpected results from their strategic plan demonstrate the external benefits of gauging an organization’s current abilities and guiding it into the future beyond the stated objectives.  With a strategic plan, CCCNY was able to present an image of a strong organization worthy of funding and able to use that funding appropriately.  
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The consulting firm, TCC Group, cites one important case where they assisted a New York City nonprofit on a strategic plan that experienced positive results.  Mittenthal, President of TCC Group, details how the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCCNY) worked with TCC Group to devise a strategic plan focusing on reassessment of service delivery and available resources and was timed to begin with the organization’s 50th anniversary (Mittenthal 2002, 9).  Surprisingly, CCC gained a great deal more than a reassessment of their work, mission and internal resources.  As Mittenthal states, “the plan helped CCCNY double its fundraising within two years, becoming an even stronger and more effective advocate for children while eliciting the single largest funding increase for children’s mental health programs in the history of New York State” (Mittenthal 2002, 9). These unexpected results from their strategic plan demonstrate the external benefits of gauging an organization’s current abilities and guiding it into the future beyond the stated objectives.  With a strategic plan, CCCNY was able to present an image of a strong organization worthy of funding and able to use that funding appropriately.  
 
Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
 
Project for Pride in Living (PPL)
  

Latest revision as of 08:30, 17 July 2008

Introduction

Several years ago a friend who worked in the private sector suggested that I create a personal vision statement to consider my future. His multi-step process of creating a statement proved to be an effective strategy that I continue to use and recommend. This personal vision statement closely relates to the strategic planning process for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The planning process establishes a framework for organizations to assess their past, present and future. Such planning is particularly important today as NGOs represent an increasing number of causes around the world and answer to many different interest groups. The following article details the importance of a strategic plan, the variety of methods available to organizations, the implement process in an NGO as well as helpful Internet sites.


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