Strategy starts to ask the questions around what an organisation aims to do – its objectives – given its context, and Planning asks the questions about how an organisation intends on achieving those. Strategy is about scanning and understanding the external environment and creating relevant responses. Planning is about mapping out the activities directed towards achieving the set objectives; it involves looking at the people – skills and experience, finances, processes, timelines, etc. required to do the work.
In this category you'll find resources on strategic thinking for complex (and uncertain) environments; material on what strategy entails; and examples of various templates and documentation you can use to inform your plans.
There is an important difference between the concepts of ‘strategy’ and ‘planning’. Strategy is about how an organisation relates to factors (usually external) that are not under its control. Planning is how the organisation deals with issues under its control. Strategic planning is about integrating these two processes.
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According to NPO Inyathelo, many non-profit organisations (NPOs) have been so busy dealing with immediate humanitarian needs in recent years that they could – understandably – lose sight of some of the basic rules...
Read MoreHave a look at this case study of how an organisation restructured in response to a negative change in their funding environment.
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Once the context is clearly assessed and understood, the organisation will decide what it intends to do. This quick read will help you to set a clear and long term vision and the ways you can put this vision to action.
Read MoreOften when an organisation is poised for growth, questions arise regarding building human capacity, incorporating new processes, staying aligned to the organisation’s vision and mission etc. Read this case study to see how this organisation dealt with their growth.
Read MoreHow then can we avoid mission drift? Read this research organisation’s response to the challenge.
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A look at how fundraisers can use a sustainability scorecard to keep track of their fundraising efforts; and a look at some uncommon criteria to include to improve your efforts.
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