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Strategic planning can be expensive and daunting for boards and executive leadership teams. It can be a great idea to bring in a consultant to lead and guide the process, but for schools struggling with tight budgets, the cost can be prohibitive. So why not handle the strategic planning process internally? The problem might be that you don't know where to start, or what model to follow. 

The Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (SPiN) program, available from the Washington Nonprofit Institute, is one place to start. The program outlines the strategic planning process and includes activities, video clips, and a full complement of downloadable tools and worksheets to take the mystery out of strategic planning. The SPiN process covers six planning elements: preparing, listening, envisioning, planning, executing, and evaluating. It is easy to use and to understand and clearly explains why each element is important to the overall process.

I have used the tools both with students and with organizations, and I have found them to be intuitive and customizable. If you are considering a strategic planning proess, but your resources for hiring a consultant are limited, the Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (SPiN) program might be a great place to get started. An introductory video can be found at https://vimeo.com/199719261.

While you are on the Washington Nonprofit Institute website, you may find other tools that are helpful for addressing your challenges. The site also contains board tools, finance tools, legal tools, and more.

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Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

I See That Hand

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Board members are typically recruited for their leadership, business acumen, and networks. Dr. Rebekah Basinger, project director of the In Trust Center’s Wise Stewards Initiative, will discuss how strategic questioning and interrogation skills are essential for effective board stewardship.

Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education

ON DEMAND

In this on-demand webinar, Rick Staisloff, senior partner of rpk GROUP, discusses essential aspects of strategic partnerships. This session delves into current trends, identification of partners, navigating the due diligence process, and common challenges.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

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