Strategic planning

Empowering sustainable nonprofit program expansion

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (BBBS) had recently wrapped up a successful capital campaign to build a new, highly visible headquarters. During this period the organization’s capacity to deliver programming was reduced due to funding cuts from their parent organization and changes to several Federal grants. They wanted their next strategic plan to take advantage of a generous programming grant, shift their fundraising focus for further programmatic expansion, and engage board members with a compelling vision that energized them for this expansion.

SOLUTION

We designed and facilitated a retreat to help the board gain clarity about the future of the organization in 2020. They set strategic goals to guide BBBS strategic and operational planning, capitalize on their trademark innovation and operational excellence, and leverage past successes to drive fundraising for programs.

We then worked with the executive leadership team to align and engage their teams for delivery. They developed overall objectives to measure goal accomplishment, mission-driven metrics, implementation strategies and action plans with their staff. These plans were shared with the board and we incorporated their feedback in the final plans.

RESULTS

Although BBBS went through a major transition with the retirement of their long-term CEO after this plan was developed, they have been able to capitalize on their quality programming, services, resources and partnerships to serve more families in the Metro area. They have a clear vision about how to achieve programmatic expansion and an engaged board that is driving their growth agenda.

Board introductions

Strategic planning design workshop

Environmental scan