Hey there! As 2024 winds down, it’s time to think about what 2025 holds for your nonprofit. Setting up your organization for success next year isn’t just about staying on track; it’s about thinking ahead, making strategic moves, and preparing for growth. Strategic planning doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. I’m all about helping nonprofits build a solid foundation, so here are some tips to help you prepare for an impactful 2025.
1. Start With a Clear Vision
First things first, it’s important to reassess or refine your organization’s vision for 2025. Where do you want to go? What change do you want to see in your community? A clear vision acts like a compass—it gives your nonprofit direction and ensures that every decision you make aligns with your ultimate goals.
Actionable Tip:
Bring your team and board together for a visioning session. Revisit your mission and ask, “How do we want to grow in 2025?” Keep the discussion focused on both long-term and short-term goals.
2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis
Before diving into planning, take a good look at where you currently stand. I’m a big fan of the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). This helps you understand where your organization shines, where improvements are needed, what external opportunities you can capitalize on, and what potential challenges you might face in 2025.
Actionable Tip:
Don’t rush this part. Get input from staff, volunteers, and even key stakeholders. This broader perspective will give you a more comprehensive view of your nonprofit’s current landscape.
3. Set SMART Goals
Vague goals won’t get you far, so when planning for 2025, make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps ensure that the goals you set are clear and actionable.
Actionable Tip:
For example, instead of saying, “We want to increase donations,” you could say, “We aim to increase donations by 20% by the end of Q2 2025 through targeted donor engagement.” This way, you can measure your progress and adjust if needed.
4. Review Your Funding Strategy
The funding landscape changes quickly, and your nonprofit needs to keep up. As you set goals for 2025, take the time to review your funding streams. Are you relying too heavily on one source? Are there opportunities for new grants or partnerships you haven’t tapped into? Diversifying your revenue streams can help reduce risk and ensure long-term sustainability.
Actionable Tip:
Set aside time to identify potential new funding opportunities, whether it’s corporate partnerships, grants, or individual donor engagement. Create a plan to reach out and build those relationships early.
5. Engage Your Board and Stakeholders
Your board is one of your greatest assets when it comes to strategic planning. Make sure they’re fully involved in setting the direction for 2025. Additionally, keep key stakeholders informed and engaged. Whether they’re donors, volunteers, or community members, their support is crucial for your nonprofit’s success.
Actionable Tip:
Host a strategic planning retreat with your board to focus solely on 2025. Use this time to discuss big-picture goals and specific initiatives, ensuring everyone is aligned with your vision.
6. Create an Implementation Plan
Once your strategic goals are set, it’s easy to leave them on paper and move on. But the key to success is in implementation. Break down your big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and make sure there’s accountability at every stage.
Actionable Tip:
Create a timeline for each goal. For instance, if one goal is to increase volunteer engagement, break it down: Who’s responsible for outreach? What new initiatives will you introduce? When will each action step be completed?
7. Monitor and Adjust
Your strategic plan shouldn’t be static. Regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Things can change—new challenges or opportunities may arise—so being flexible is key to staying on track.
Actionable Tip:
Schedule quarterly check-ins to assess how your 2025 goals are progressing. If something isn’t working, figure out why and adjust your approach rather than sticking to a plan that’s not effective.
Wrapping It Up
Strategic planning for 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does need to be intentional. By setting clear goals, reviewing your funding, engaging your board, and creating a practical implementation plan, you can set your nonprofit up for success in the coming year. Remember, strategic planning is about staying proactive, not reactive, so you can move your mission forward with confidence.
If you’re looking for more personalized guidance on creating a strong strategic plan for 2025, I’d love to help. Let’s make next year your nonprofit’s best yet!
Talk soon,
Kari Anderson
Principal, Incite Consulting