As the workload for many nonprofits has increased, many resources have grown scarcer and many funders—and even volunteers—want to see evidence that their gifts will be put to good use. And they do not just want to see 990s and annual reports. The item they are beginning to request is a strategic plan.

Why a strategic plan? Because a strategic plan communicates that the organization has set its priorities, established realistic goals and objectives consistent with its mission, and seeks to implement and achieve them in a defined timeframe within the organization’s capacity. If your operating costs are rising, your board is overtaxed with responsibilities, or five years have passed since you last revised your strategic plan, it may be time to engage in a strategic planning process.  But who has the time to develop such a plan and ensure that it is successful and yields meaningful results? In today’s changing nonprofit environment, with strains on resources and staff, many organizations do not have the time or available expertise to devote to strategic planning.

A strategic plan is not a wish list or magic cure for everything challenging an organization. It is a valuable tool to help an organization assess where it is, determine where it wants to go and map out a route to get there.

For more than 15 years, PHMC has enabled nonprofit organizations to think and act more strategically in a competitive market. Whether prompted by the loss of a significant funding source or the opportunity to gain a new one, or by the recognition that their clients are changing, nonprofits can find the expertise and resources to help develop and design effective strategic plans at Targeted Solutions.

Our interdisciplinary teams work closely with each client to review the organization's mission and management operating structure, assess underlying strengths and weaknesses, evaluate current systems and processes, conduct environmental assessments, and identify opportunities and challenges central to future success—all in an effort to determine strategic options and develop a sound strategic plan.