Strategic planning can feel like a massive undertaking. It’s one of those things that everyone knows is important, but when it actually comes time to do it? Suddenly, board members are busy, meetings are long, and the final plan sometimes ends up collecting dust on a shelf.
But here’s what I’ve learned after working with nonprofits for years: when a board is truly engaged in strategic planning, the process is smoother, the goals are clearer, and the outcomes actually drive impact.
So, what’s the board’s role in all of this? Hint: It’s not just nodding along while the executive director presents a five-year plan. If board members aren’t actively contributing to strategic planning, your nonprofit is missing out on some of its biggest thinkers and champions.
Let’s break down where board members should be stepping up.
Setting the Stage: The Board’s Role in the Big Picture
A nonprofit’s board exists to provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction—so it makes sense that strategic planning should be a collaborative effort between the board and leadership.
Board members aren’t there to create the plan alone—but they are responsible for making sure it’s rooted in reality, forward-thinking, and aligned with the organization’s mission. Their role isn’t just to approve a final draft but to be active participants in shaping it.
Before planning even begins, the board should help answer big-picture questions like:
✔️ Where do we want this organization to be in five years?
✔️ What external factors (funding shifts, policy changes, community needs) could impact us?
✔️ How do we measure success—not just in numbers, but in real impact?
This isn’t about micromanaging the staff’s day-to-day work. It’s about helping leadership think ahead, anticipate challenges, and position the nonprofit for long-term success.
The Board’s Hands-On Role in Strategic Planning
So how does this actually play out? Ideally, board members are involved in three key phases of strategic planning:
1. Asking the Right Questions
Board members bring a different perspective than staff—they aren’t in the daily weeds, which means they can take a step back and ask big-picture questions. Their job isn’t just to agree with whatever is presented but to push for clarity:
🔹 Do the proposed goals reflect real community needs?
🔹 Is this plan financially sustainable?
🔹 Are we being bold enough—or are we playing it too safe?
This kind of questioning helps leadership refine and strengthen the plan before it’s finalized.
2. Engaging Their Networks
Board members don’t just bring expertise to the table—they bring connections. Whether it’s funders, community leaders, policy experts, or business partners, a well-connected board can help make strategic goals a reality.
When a plan requires expanding donor support, launching new programs, or increasing advocacy efforts, board members should be leveraging their relationships to open doors. A strong strategic plan isn’t just words—it’s about who can help make it happen.
3. Keeping the Plan Off the Shelf
This is where things often fall apart. The strategic plan gets approved, celebrated… and then forgotten. Board members play a crucial role in making sure that doesn’t happen.
It’s their responsibility to:
✅ Hold leadership accountable – Are benchmarks being met? Are priorities shifting? If so, why?
✅ Use the plan as a guidepost for decision-making – Every major board decision should connect back to the plan. If something isn’t aligned, it’s time to reassess.
✅ Stay flexible – A good strategic plan isn’t rigid. Board members should help adjust when necessary—without throwing the whole plan out the window.
What Happens When the Board Steps Up?
When board members really engage in strategic planning, here’s what happens:
💡 Decisions get easier. No more guessing what the priorities should be—the plan provides direction.
💡 The organization stays mission-focused. With a clear strategy, it’s easier to say yes to the right opportunities and no to distractions.
💡 Fundraising becomes more compelling. Donors don’t just want to support programs—they want to invest in a vision. A solid strategic plan gives them confidence in where the nonprofit is headed.
Is Your Board Pulling Its Weight? Let’s Talk.
If your board members aren’t actively involved in strategic planning, it’s time to change that. A strong, engaged board can be the difference between a nonprofit that survives and one that truly thrives.
Need help strengthening your board’s role in strategic planning? Let’s talk. I work with nonprofit leaders and boards to make sure strategic plans aren’t just good on paper—but actually drive results.
Book a call with me here, and let’s make sure your board is leading with confidence and clarity.
Here’s to building a strategy that actually works!
Kari Anderson, Principal
Incite Consulting
