Strategic Planning Simplified
This collection of resources will help nonprofit leaders develop a focused approach to set the stage for a successful strategic plan.
February 9, 2026 | Read Time: 1 minute
Strategic planning can feel like an onerous undertaking, but a focused approach keeps nonprofit leaders from feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions that surface during the process.
Rather than trying to tackle everything at once, leaders should clarify what truly matters and direct their energy where it will have the greatest impact, say experts.
“Pick the one or two questions you really need to focus on, and the one or two areas where analysis and deeper dives are really important,” says Preeta Nayak, partner and head of leadership and community services at the San Francisco office of the Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit and philanthropic advisory firm.
This kind of discipline not only streamlines the process but also builds alignment across staff and board members, making it easier to define goals and chart a clear path forward. “You have to be strategic about strategic planning,” Nayak adds.
This collection of resources will help you set the stage for a successful strategic plan.
Editor’s note: Chronicle playbooks are updated on an ongoing basis as new advice becomes available.
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