NPO team members focus much of their time on all aspects of planning – overall strategy, project planning/updating, resource mobilisation planning – and much more. These exercises can take many hours (and if consultants are hired to bring independence and experience, can increase costs). All planning is necessary, in fact, vital. However, too often, too much time and energy are spent on focusing too widely. Planning for the sake of planning both wastes time and can be counterproductive – even confrontational.
The key questions that should underpin non-profits’ planning are:
- What problem (or problems) are we solving?
- How effectively are we implementing our theory of change per project and tracking our impact (generally achieved with donors’ money)?
- What would be missing if our organisation did not exist or had to close?
The answers to these questions, particularly when the responses are complex or staff/volunteers differ, will highlight areas needing prioritisation and are a good starting point when planning to plan. Considering these points will elicit the most important issues to discuss, resolve, unravel, change or clarify.
Planning need not be too time consuming, but it must be inclusive, effective and focus where it is needed most.
Don’t miss the Annual Online Papillon Fundraising Conference on 20 and 21 May – early bird discounts end on 7 March.
