Your Strategic Plan Has Power. Update it Using These 4 Steps.
Even in uncertain times, your strategic plan still has power and purpose. Update it using these four steps.
I'm a person who plans everything. I look at the menu before going to a restaurant so that I can plan my order in advance. I'm that person. I like feeling prepared. Plans bring me comfort. Over the years, I have learned that even the best plans can unravel for any reason. Then, adding in the uncertainty of our national landscape can make planning for the future feel pointless.
But your strategic plan can still help you.
If committing to a new strategic plan is out of reach, consider updating your current plan.
Most strategic planning processes account for some degree of uncertainty, like elections, grants, and partnerships. However, there was no way to know the level of disruption that nonprofits would experience once the new administration took office in January. Now, I expected the attack on DEI. However, the dismantling of agencies, firing staff, and eliminating programs has not only been shocking but has created a damaging ripple effect among nonprofits.
But, you can still plan—maybe not as far ahead, but you can rely on your mission, vision, and values to light your way. Even in all the chaos, I bet there is at least one thing that still excites you about the work you do. Maybe it's a new practice you’ve always wanted to try or a new partnership to explore.
Here are the four steps to use to update your strategic plan.
Pull out your most recent strategic plan
Look at where you were supposed to be in one area for Q2 2025
Update your priorities, funding sources, and timelines for where you are now
Repeat
You may feel grief. That’s certainly to be expected. But you may also feel a spark of joy.
As I mentioned, I just did this for my business this week. I pulled out my plan for what I wanted to do this year. I crossed out all of the Quarter 1 activities that I didn’t do. With no shame, I added “Election Outcome” and began planning a much more realistic Quarter 2 and 3, based on where I am right now.
While you can’t change the moment, you can create a new way to navigate it. Chances are, there is good, equitable work that you can still do.
If you’ve been feeling like you need to update your strategic plan, but it feels too daunting. I started offering equity-centered strategic planning as a client service last year. I am here to chat.
To learn more:
Check out S1, Ep 5 of my podcast.
