Strategic planning is a crucial process that every nonprofit organization must undertake to achieve its long-term goals. However, as nonprofits operate in a unique environment, they face specific challenges such as funding, staffing, and other constraints. In this article, we explore the essential steps of strategic planning and how nonprofits can tackle these challenges.
One of the key steps in strategic planning is conducting a PEST analysis. The PEST analysis examines the external factors that affect the nonprofit’s operations, such as Political, Economic, Sociocultural, and Technological factors. Conducting a PEST analysis is essential for nonprofits in the strategic planning process because it helps them to identify and understand the external factors that may impact their ability to achieve their goals. By examining political, economic, sociocultural, and technological factors, nonprofits can gain insight into the external environment in which they operate and better anticipate changes and challenges that may arise.
For example, a political change such as a new law or regulation may impact the nonprofit’s ability to receive funding or offer services in a certain area. An economic downturn may lead to decreased funding or donations. A sociocultural shift may require the nonprofit to change its messaging or approach to better reach its target audience. Technological advancements may provide new opportunities for program delivery or require the organization to update its technology infrastructure.
By conducting a PEST analysis, nonprofits can proactively identify these external factors and develop strategies to address them in their strategic plan. This allows them to be better prepared for potential challenges and to adapt their approach to better align with the external environment. Ultimately, this can help nonprofits to achieve their mission and make a greater impact in their community
This analysis helps identify potential roadblocks and opportunities that may impact the nonprofit’s ability to achieve its goals. After completing the PEST analysis, nonprofits can start developing their strategic plan by setting long-term goals and identifying the necessary resources. Nonprofits must also anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Implementation and evaluation plans are also crucial to ensure the nonprofit stays on track toward achieving its mission.
Are you interested in developing a strategic plan for your nonprofit? We specialize in creating strategic plans that drive success. If you’re ready to maximize your organization’s potential and achieve optimal effectiveness, it’s time to take action. Contact us today to create a tailored strategic plan that aligns with your goals and objectives.
Project Manager
Farah Dar is a Project Manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has strong experience consulting in workforce development and leadership training. In her current role, Ms. Dar supports both project and account management for engagements with a focus on strategic planning and workforce services. Ms. Dar also plays a role in supporting operational improvement efforts at TPG, helping the firm reach long-term goals and maintain organizational vision.
Ms. Dar completed her undergraduate education at California State University, Long Beach. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology and a minor in Chemistry, she participated in Bioinformatics Research, where she utilized statistical data analyses to identify multiple protein sequence domains in databases. During her undergraduate, Ms. Dar also completed the COPE Health Scholars program with a leadership role, in which she oversaw student shifts in clinical units and identified areas for improvement to enhance quality patient care.
Executive Administrative Assistant
Jessica Cardinale is an executive administrative assistant with The Pivotal Group (TPG). With over a decade of career experience providing high level administrative support, she has a strong commitment to supporting workplace systems and efficiency.
Project Manager
Samantha Jenkins is a project manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and public sectors. Her work is centered on a drive to support organizations in building their capacity for improved diversity, equity, and inclusion and as a veteran and military retiree spouse, her insight into working with military communities is yet another part of her intersectional identity that she brings to engaging diverse groups of clients. Jenkins holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, a certification in Board Governance, and a BA in Organizational Management.
test123
Test Alpha
President
As a senior executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Corbett has developed innovative strategies to strengthen business, non-profit, and government organizations. Dr. Corbett approaches each opportunity with the understanding that individuals and organizations often already possess the tools and assets they need to succeed. He takes a strengths-based approach, allowing individuals and organizations to achieve better results, maximize resources, and increase the impact on the communities they serve. In addition to being the president of The Pivotal Group, Dr. Corbett is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and Point Loma Nazarene University, School of Business. Dr. Corbett has taught graduate-level courses on governance, leadership, and strategy. In 2020, California State Assemblymember Shirley Weber awarded Dr. Corbett the Volunteer of the Year award for his leadership and volunteerism in the community. Dr. Corbett is currently authoring a book titled Hope is Not a Strategy: Strategy and Positioning in Health and Human Services, due to be published in early 2023. Dr. Corbett holds a doctoral degree in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from New York University. He is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and an ACC Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
Project Manager
Brita Catoe is a project manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has worked in nonprofit management and county public health in multicultural and international contexts and is deeply inspired by organizations striving to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Catoe holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Concordia University-Portland and a bachelor’s degree in both Community Health and Spanish Language from Bethel University.
Project Director
Melissa Guariglia is a project director with The Pivotal Group (TPG). With more than 15 years of volunteer and leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Guariglia utilizes her expertise to partner with organizations to support their work and mission. Guariglia holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and believes that by empowering nonprofit organizations, we can help build more equitable systems and better serve our community.
Consultant
Kirsten is a lead consultant with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She is a seasoned nonprofit professional with a decade of experience across consulting, organizational development, fundraising, and international development. She has a strong commitment to cultivating inclusion and building multicultural workplaces. At TPG, she facilitates client strategy sessions, analyzes qualitative and quantitative data while applying theoretical framework to identify gaps, evaluate problems, and synthesize recommendations. She also researches sector-specific information and helps develop strategies and action plans for clients. Bolter Navis holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Houghton College.
Farah Dar is a Project Manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has strong experience consulting in workforce development and leadership training. In her current role, Ms. Dar supports both project and account management for engagements with a focus on strategic planning and workforce services. Ms. Dar also plays a role in supporting operational improvement efforts at TPG, helping the firm reach long-term goals and maintain organizational vision.
Ms. Dar completed her undergraduate education at California State University, Long Beach. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Molecular Cell Biology and a minor in Chemistry, she participated in Bioinformatics Research, where she utilized statistical data analyses to identify multiple protein sequence domains in databases. During her undergraduate, Ms. Dar also completed the COPE Health Scholars program with a leadership role, in which she oversaw student shifts in clinical units and identified areas for improvement to enhance quality patient care.
Samantha Jenkins is a project manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit and public sectors. Her work is centered on a drive to support organizations in building their capacity for improved diversity, equity, and inclusion and as a veteran and military retiree spouse, her insight into working with military communities is yet another part of her intersectional identity that she brings to engaging diverse groups of clients. Jenkins holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, a certification in Board Governance, and a BA in Organizational Management.
Brita Catoe is a project manager with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She has worked in nonprofit management and county public health in multicultural and international contexts and is deeply inspired by organizations striving to make meaningful impacts in their communities. Catoe holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Concordia University-Portland and a bachelor’s degree in both Community Health and Spanish Language from Bethel University.
Jessica Cardinale is an executive administrative assistant with The Pivotal Group (TPG). With over a decade of career experience providing high level administrative support, she has a strong commitment to supporting workplace systems and efficiency.
Kirsten is a lead consultant with The Pivotal Group (TPG). She is a seasoned nonprofit professional with a decade of experience across consulting, organizational development, fundraising, and international development. She has a strong commitment to cultivating inclusion and building multicultural workplaces. At TPG, she facilitates client strategy sessions, analyzes qualitative and quantitative data while applying theoretical framework to identify gaps, evaluate problems, and synthesize recommendations. She also researches sector-specific information and helps develop strategies and action plans for clients. Bolter Navis holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Houghton College.
As a senior executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Corbett has developed innovative strategies to strengthen business, non-profit, and government organizations. Dr. Corbett approaches each opportunity with the understanding that individuals and organizations often already possess the tools and assets they need to succeed. He takes a strengths-based approach, allowing individuals and organizations to achieve better results, maximize resources, and increase the impact on the communities they serve. In addition to being the president of The Pivotal Group, Dr. Corbett is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences, and Point Loma Nazarene University, School of Business. Dr. Corbett has taught graduate-level courses on governance, leadership, and strategy. In 2020, California State Assemblymember Shirley Weber awarded Dr. Corbett the Volunteer of the Year award for his leadership and volunteerism in the community. Dr. Corbett is currently authoring a book titled Hope is Not a Strategy: Strategy and Positioning in Health and Human Services, due to be published in early 2023. Dr. Corbett holds a doctoral degree in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from New York University. He is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and an ACC Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.
For more than 20 years, Takisha Corbett has worked and volunteered with national organizations across the country. She has extensive leadership and business experience, and understands the importance of organizational development as foundational to ensuring overall organization success. She excels at developing systemic practices that seamlessly integrate data collection, daily processes, and analysis of outcomes. Through the use of real-time data, she has guided individuals and organizations to make strategic decisions to accomplish mission-centered goals. Dr. Corbett received a BA in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and an MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller School of Psychology. Prior to beginning her doctoral work, Dr. Corbett held leadership and senior leadership positions while working for national child welfare and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in using various research methods to better understand social science issues impacting communities.