---
title: Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | Dot Org Solutions
description: Our experienced nonprofit strategic planning consultants help you set goals, build an actionable strategic plan and engage your constituents.
---

# Bring clarity and direction to your strategic planning process

Effective nonprofit strategic planning sets the course for your organization, aligns your board and activates your team. Our experienced Dot Org Solutions consultants work with your team to create strategic plans that are realistic, goal-driven and ready to use. Schedule a free consultation today and learn how we can support your as you build your next strategic plan. 

[ Schedule a call! ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

## Consultants that guide you from start to finish

A strategic plan is more than just a document. It’s the blueprint that helps your nonprofit stay focused, make smart decisions and grow with purpose. We believe that a solid plan must:

- Be strategic, not operational
- Have clear action steps
- Align with your mission, vision and values
- Assign accountability for completion

Our consultants guide your nonprofit through a practical, collaborative process that focuses on team buy-in and results in a clear, actionable plan.

![Strategic Planning Session ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Planning%203.jpeg?width=2000&height=1165&name=Planning%203.jpeg "Strategic Planning Session ")

## A structured approach that supports your team

One of most challenging parts of strategic planning is keeping the process moving. Participants are busy, schedules are tight and your team has other important work to do to support your mission. So it is easy to get off track.

Our structured and supportive process is designed to help your team focus on  strategic thinking and your mission. 

![Strategic planning session](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Strategic%20Planning/IMG_5253.jpeg?width=1000&height=750&name=IMG_5253.jpeg)

 

[ Get a free estimate! ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

### Preparation and follow up

Your team is busy. We help you with much of the preparation including creating meeting agendas,  preparing follow up notes, sending meeting reminders and more.

### Core team planning

We help you assemble a core team to drive the planning process. This team helps with facilitation sessions, makes recommendations to the larger group and meets regularly via Zoom to provide guidance. 

### Facilitated strategy sessions

Strategic plans need input from a variety of voices. Our strategy sessions are designed to engage the big thinkers as well as folks who are concerned about the details - and everyone in between. 

### Mission, vision and values alignment

We work with you to ensure your strategic goals and written action plans align with your mission, vision and values.

## Packages to suit your organization's needs/budget 

We know strategic planning is an investment for your organization. That's why we offer several different packages based on your needs and budget. 

### Strategic Planning Essentials

 For small budgets and teams

---

- Foundational planning
- Strategic consultation
- 1 facilitated in-person retreat
- Goal setting
- Basic strategic plan outline
- Action plan training

---

Starting at $7,500

[ Let's get started ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

### Strategic Planning Complete

 Provides more deliverables

---

- Includes everything in Essentials +
- 2 facilitated in-person retreats
- Stakeholder interviews (phone)
- Facilitated action planning
- Final action plan development
- Designed final plan for team

---

Starting at $17,500

[ Let's get started ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

### Strategic Planning Plus

 Gives additional support

---

- Includes everything in Complete +
- Stakeholder surveying + analysis
- Ongoing strategy consultation
- Additional in-person sessions
- Action planning software
- Ongoing performance monitoring

---

Pricing varies

[ Contact us for pricing ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

 TESTIMONIAL

## FROM A HAPPY CLIENT!

"I just wanted to reach out and say how awesome our last strategic planning session was! The board (and staff) have made several comments about how much they enjoyed the work that was done. I think you hit it out of the part on this one - it was exactly what we all needed."

![Feeding Medina County](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hubfs/Client%20files/Feeding%20Medina%20County.png)

 Katy Fuerst

 Former executive director, Feeding Medina County

![Nonprofit Strategic Planning Guide](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DOS%20Cafe/A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Nonprofit%20Strategic%20Planning.jpg?width=192&height=250&name=A%20Practical%20Guide%20to%20Nonprofit%20Strategic%20Planning.jpg "Nonprofit Strategic Planning Guide")

 FREE DOWNLOAD

## Want to learn more about strategic planning?

Maybe you are just getting started or want to educate your board/team on the process. Our FREE e-book is a great resource to share! 

[ Download now ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/practical-guide-to-nonprofit-strategic-planning?hsLang=en)

## Strategic Plan FAQs

#### [ Why is strategic planning important for nonprofits? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse1-widget_1679592967251)

Strategic planning helps nonprofits define where they’re going and how to get there. It brings clarity to your mission, aligns your board and staff, guides decision-making and ensures you're using your time and resources effectively to achieve meaningful impact.

#### [ How often should a nonprofit update its strategic plan? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse2-widget_1679592967251)

The rule of thumb used to be 3-to-five years, but anymore, it depends. Worldwide pandemics, major funding shifts, natural disasters and other environmental shifts in recent years have required nonprofits to be on there toes when it comes to planning. Most nonprofits should definitely revisit their strategic plan every 2-to-3 years. However, it’s smart to assess progress annually and make updates as needed based on changes in funding, leadership or community needs. 

#### [ Who should be involved in the strategic planning process? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse3-widget_1679592967251)

A successful planning process includes executive leadership, board members and key staff. Some organizations also involve community members, funders or clients to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. The goal is to get a variety of perspectives and information. 

#### [ What is the difference between a strategic plan and a operations plan? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse4-widget_1679592967251)

A strategic plan sets long-term direction and high-level goals. An operational plan outlines the day-to-day tasks, timelines and responsibilities needed to run the organization. 

Note: Some strategic plan action items may be added to the operations plan and some strategic action items may become operations items upon initial completion. 

#### [ How do I know if my strategic plan is good? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse5-widget_1679592967251)

A strong strategic plan is one your team actually uses, not one that sits on a shelf. It includes realistic goals, clear responsibilities, measurable outcomes and actionable steps that align with your resources.

#### [ How long does the strategic planning process take? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse6-widget_1679592967251)

It depends on your organization’s size and needs, but most of our strategic planning engagements take 6-12 months from kickoff to final plan delivery.

That may seem like a long time, but it's not the process itself that takes so long. The longer time frame is often due to a variety of factors including:

- Difficulty scheduling in-person sessions due to holidays, vacations, etc.
- Extended time needed for action planning
- Up-front surveying prior to in-person sessions

Faster delivery times are possible, but require solid advanced planning

#### [ How much does a strategic plan cost? ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/strategic-planning#collapse7-widget_1679592967251)

Costs can vary depending on the scope and complexity of your planning needs. At Dot Org Solutions, our base strategic planning services start at $7,500 and go up from there. Comprehensive engagements including surveying, multiple in-person sessions, advance research and complex action planning can be significantly higher, starting at $30,000. 

---

## Check out our blog

![jason-goodman-Kewm3qZfzOw-unsplash_1200x600](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20graphics/jason-goodman-Kewm3qZfzOw-unsplash_1200x600.png)

### 8 reasons why strategic planning is important for nonprofits

[ Read the blog ](https://blog.dotorgsolutions.com/blog/8-reasons-why-strategic-planning-is-important-for-nonprofits?hsLang=en)

![209StrategicPlanning_Teamwork](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20graphics/209StrategicPlanning_Teamwork.png)

### Strategic planning is a team sport. 6 ways to set your team up for the win.

[ Read the blog ](https://blog.dotorgsolutions.com/blog/strategic-planning-is-a-team-sport.-6-ways-to-set-your-team-up-for-the-win?hsLang=en)

![208StrategicPlanning_Teamwork](https://dotorgsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20graphics/208StrategicPlanning_Teamwork.png)

### How to prepare your nonprofit for strategic planning

[ Read the blog ](https://blog.dotorgsolutions.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-nonprofit-strategic-plan?hsLang=en)

 STRATEGIC PLANNING SERVICES

## How can we help?

Excited to get started? Don't see what you are looking for? Tell us a little more about your project and we'll see how we can help. Or, schedule time to talk with us to learn how we can help you reach your strategic planning goals. 

[ Let's work together ](https://dotorgsolutions.com/contact-us?hsLang=en)

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