How do you improve your non-profit strategy?

As a seasoned nonprofit executive with 15 years of experience, I've learned that clarifying goals and vision while improving nonprofit strategy is a dynamic process rooted in reflection, adaptability, and collaboration. It begins by aligning the organization's mission and values with the ever-evolving needs of the communities we serve. By engaging stakeholders, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering a culture of innovation, we can set clear, measurable objectives that drive sustainable impact. The key lies in continuous evaluation and adjustment, as we remain responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities. Through this iterative approach, we can refine our strategy and ensure that our vision is steadfastly pursued and achieved.

I see lots of visions out there. The trick is to create a vision that inspires others, is memorable and understandable. If you explained it to a twelve year old could they understand it? If you were to ask your board, volunteers and staff what your purpose is will you get the same response? Many challenges within an organization can be linked back to a lack of understanding of purpose. For whom do we exist? In what jurisdiction? What if we didn't exist? What impact do we expect to make? These elements are the foundation of an organization and their strategy so its important to take time and get it right.

Knowing that all share, understand and will behave the mission and work on the challenges (conflicts about) from a unified understanding And perspective is key to any success. Otherwise there will be meta conflict - conflict about what the conflict or challenges may be. And you will Be stuck There until Acknowledging and solving for that. It’s why dividing up families in service where roles are in conflict (I support the child in foster care and their needs. I support the foster family and their needs) is a recipe for disaster. It is down right (I can’t say what I want but if you are thinking “counter intuitive” with swear words you wouldn’t be far off. ). Or intentional to create conflict to maintain the status quo? Just sayin’

A critical element of creating a meaningful value proposition is understanding your organization's role in your community or issues area. In the nonprofit world, your value comes from you you are/what role you play in addition to the programs, services, and impact you provide.

Be sure to develop your communication strategy at the onset. Craft messages and communications using multiple modalities and messages that are specific to your audiences drivers and interests. Make it engaging, colourful impacting and fun. Know what you want from your audience. Are wanting to inform, inspire action or build engagement. Knowing this will influence you message. Then craft your main message and supporting messages that speak to the drivers, barriers and interests of your audience. We live, love, learn and remember through storytelling. Sharing your message in stories. Craft a compelling narrative that brings together your purpose, values and long term vision.