Resource Audit
Like any organization, nonprofits have assets that can be strategically used to their advantage, and liabilities that can put them at risk. NPO Solutions has developed its own diagnostic auditing system that assesses and analyzes both organizational and functional resources. The nine-part diagnostic Resource Audit consists of an organizational audit and functional audit. Typically, the audit is the first step in a strategic planning process and is akin to a SWOT analysis, which identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of organizations.
Resource Audit
Board and Staff Retreats
From refining a nonprofit organization’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic direction to helping to build a more cohesive management staff to brainstorming on key issues with governing boards, NPO Solutions facilitates retreats and intense planning meetings using efficient processes that are engaging and thought provoking. Often, clients choose to develop strategic plans and address other significant organizational development opportunities. NPO Solutions collaborates closely with clients to identify the setting, develop the agenda, and ensure the retreat meets the board’s and leadership’s expectations and objectives.
Strategic and Operating Plans
In an ever-changing and uncertain world, only organizations that are “ready and prepared” to seize opportunities and avoid common pitfalls will thrive. NPO Solutions’ methodology for developing a strategic plan is the Resource Development System™. It is a model/approach developed over twenty years of working with nonprofit organizations and has proven successful in engaging leaders in developing effective plans, orchestrating resources, diversifying revenue, and motivating constituents. The approach advocates a strong role for – and heavy involvement of – the organization’s leadership and stakeholders. This ensures that the strategic plan will reflect the ideas and commitments of the organization’s stakeholders while being based on current realities. Strategic plans that are developed through this process involve leaders and key constituents in a robust, rigorous, and professional exercise, and thus establish a mutual agreed-upon roadmap for the organization to use to address its challenges and seize opportunities. Using the strategic plan as a guide, NPO Solutions facilitates nonprofits in creating annual operating plans.
Business and Marketing Plans
As competition for government and private grants becomes more and more fierce, nonprofits are increasingly relying on “traditional” business solutions to diversify funding and grow revenue. NPO Solutions has a wealth of experience in developing and enhancing mission-driven earned income programs and marketing plans for a range of nonprofit sectors, including mental health, education, and the arts.
Partnership Planning and Facilitation
Successful nonprofit organizations build and leverage partnerships with other nonprofits, businesses and government to meet their mission and better serve their communities. NPO Solutions works with agencies to explore the full spectrum of partnerships. Using comprehensive feasibility assessments, our team guides agencies cautiously through a series of steps to avoid unnecessary exposures to risk and find solutions to common problems.
Fundraising Plans
Whether it’s finding new donors, developing an annual giving program, securing major gifts, or retaining existing donors, for most nonprofits, fundraising is a critical element to their success. NPO Solutions works with development departments, foundations, nonprofit managers, community members, and nonprofit governing boards to develop and sustain sound fundraising plans and initiatives.
