Top resources for writing a charity and not-for-profit strategic plan:
If you’re a charity or other not-for-profit organisation interested in finding out more about strategy and strategic planning, or want to develop a broader perspective on the subject, here is our list (built after much research and debate) of some of the best and most easily consumable resources for getting started on a charity strategy/strategic plan.
1. Porter or Mintzberg: Whose view of strategy is the most relevant today?
Henry Mintzberg and Michael Porter are two of the main doyens of strategy theory. This article in Forbes.com compares the usefulness of the strategy theories of Porter and Mintzberg. The comparison of their views on traditional versus agile approaches to strategy development is just as relevant today as when it was written.
2. TED Talks for Not-for-Profit Leaders
To save you having to trawl through thousands of TED Talks to find something relevant, this curated list of 10 Ted Talks for Non Profit Leaders includes presentations on increasing motivation, driving inspiration, leadership skills and tactics and donor relationships.
3. The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) Strategy Case Study
The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) is the leading membership association for foundations and independent grant-makers in the UK. Their 5 year Strategic Plan, developed with support from senior consultants from Eastside People, aims to help Charitable Foundations and Independent Grant Makers Work Together for Social Good.
Read the ACF Strategy Planning Case Study.
Read the ACF 2023 to 2027 Strategy.
4. How do I start thinking about Strategy?
This simple 9-step guide to strategic planning from research and advisory experts Gartner, outlines the steps that organisational leaders can follow to help bring rigour to the planning process.
5. What can business learn from non-profit organisations?
Peter Drucker (1909-2005), often described as ‘the founder of modern management’ was one of the most widely-known and influential management thinkers. Even today, his ideas are used by managers across the world. This article from 1989, that highlights what Drucker thought businesses could learn from the very best not-for-profit organisations that relentlessly put mission at the centre of strategy, is Drucker at his best.
6. Strategy and Theory of Change
Developing and implementing any strategy, but even more so in the social sector, inevitably means looking at the difference the organisation makes and how it can accelerate its impact. We find that a theory of change is a useful tool to enhance strategic planning. This article on ‘Practice Pointers for Mapping the Theory of Change’ by Rosie Chadwick, Eastside People non executive director and consultant, highlights some key pointers drawn from her personal experience of working with a variety of charitable organisations.
7. Five questions that make strategy real
Jack Welch, legendary CEO of General Electric, said “In real life, strategy is very straightforward. It’s a living, breathing, totally dynamic game. It’s fun – and fast. And it’s alive. You pick a general direction and implement like hell.” In this article that lists 5 questions that make strategy real , Welch described a practical way for managers to create a dynamic strategy.
8. Develop your Strategic Thinking Skills
Strategic thinking skills are an important competency for anyone in a decision-making role. Tim Stobierski, marketing specialist and contributing writer for Harvard Business School Online, identifies 4 ways that you can hone and develop your strategic thinking skills.
9. The potential impact of Covid on charities over the next 20 years
This paper on the next 20 years in the Charity Sector by Joe Saxton of not-for-profit market research agency, nfpResearch, takes a PEST (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) view of 20 specific areas that have already changed or might change for charities over the next 20 years because of the ongoing impact of the Covid pandemic.
10. The BBC Children in Need Strategy
When Eastside People’s CEO Richard Litchfield caught up with Fozia Irfan, Director of Children and Young People at BBC Children in Need, their strategy was one of the topics discussed. The new BBC Children in Need strategy, based on an extensive consultation process, was annouced in August 2022 after the main restrictions of the COVID pandemic had ended.
The strategy includes a remit to continue to be a broad-based funder, to fund core costs and and to leverage their role within the BBC family. Watch the full discussion between Richard Litchfield and Fozia Irfan.
