Sunday, May 15, 2005

Two Strategic Planning Resources

Much has been published on the subject of strategic planning. Here are two of the best resources: Strategic Planning Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations, Revised and Updated by Bryan Barry. There are a number of good publications on strategic planning in nonprofit organizations. If I had to pick just one to recommend, it would have to be Strategic Planning Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations by Bryan Barry. First published in 1997 by the Amherst Wilder Foundation, the workbook combines a clear and thorough explanation of the strategic planning process, with examples and detailed worksheets for each step of the process. Highlights include guidance on preparing to plan, benefits and limitations of planning, strategic planning with multiple organizations and communities, a bibliography of other resources and publications, and more.

Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition by Michael Allison and Jude Kaye. This thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded edition provides expert knowledge and tools needed to develop and implement strategic plans. It including worksheets, checklists, and tables—in print and on the companion CD-ROM—along with a book-length case study that lets you observe strategic planning in action. Topics covered include: developing a clear mission, vision, and set of values, conducting SWOT analyses and program evaluations, assessing client needs and determine stakeholder concerns, setting priorities and develop core strategies, goals, and objectives, etc.