Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

June 12, 2007

Overwhelming, tedious, cumbersome - just a few words I've heard describe the painstaking process of strategic planning for nonprofits. Large or small, new or old, every nonprofit must plan for its future.

I would love to say that strategic planning doesn't have to be painful, but encountering obstacles while putting together a well thought out plan is to be expected. In fact, the struggle to define goals and objectives can often help minimize the degree to which the nonprofit will stray from the plan if the process thoroughly reviews the realities facing the nonprofit. Further, a challenging strategic planning process can, through deliberation and dialogue among the board and staff, provide new insights and ideas and offer considerations that will help the nonprofit focus and stabilize its path to the future.

A few key things to remember:

• Set a time frame for your planning process
• Set realistic goals and timelines in which to achieve them
• Include challenge goals that will help motivate your team to exceed expectations
• Never lose site of your mission and how it is served by your strategic plan
• Once you have a plan, put it to work

There is no time like the present to ensure your future - it's cliché, but as true now as when it was coined. Nonprofits with a solid path before them are more appealing to donors and better prepared to handle the unexpected than those who are flying blind.

- Jennifer L. Curzon, Vice President (Kansas City, Mo.) Jennifer@hartsookcompanies.com

Another Smart Idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"We regularly schedule lunch with Board members throughout the year. We do this as individuals, not groups." - Wayne Groner, Labette Community College Foundation (Parsons, Kan.)

If you are interested in Best Practices and smart ideas, see these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Fundraising Magic - 33.5 Strategies for Turning Board Members into Money Makers" by Robert G. Swanson (2007, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). This book shares proven strategies you can implement immediately to give Board members the confidence and tools needed to cultivate donors, solicit gifts and strengthen your organization's position in the community. To order this book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com.

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union.

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas.

For a free copy of "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM" or the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM", please email Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com.

Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.