Changemaker Conversations: The Podcast for Nonprofit Leaders

How Should Your Nonprofit Approach Strategic Planning?

July 9, 2026·23 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Strategic planning used to be handled the same way at most nonprofit organizations: hire a consultant, have them conduct research and facilitate a retreat, make some important decisions, and write the plan. It also used to be only the domain of those with a significant budget. However, that is changing rapidly.   In this solo episode, Prosper Strategies principal Alyssa Conrardy shares not one but three distinct ways to approach  nonprofit strategic planning, and explains which sort of organization each option may be a fit for. She also shares how the philosophy underlying those options is as important as the approach itself.   Here's what you'll learn in this episode: The three approaches to strategic planning — DIY, facilitation, and full-service — and what each actually costs How to know which approach fits your organization's size, internal capacity, and budget When an outside facilitator's neutrality matters  Four common planning philosophies, and why Shared Power (stakeholder-centered) planning outperforms the rest How to make smart choices next time your nonprofit is about to embark on strategic planning | MENTIONED | Nonprofit Strategic Planning Toolbox: strategicplanningtoobox.com Strategic Planning Decision Guide: https://prosper-strategies.com/strategic-planning-decision-guide/ | CONNECT | www.ChangemakerConversations.com for show notes and additional resources Prosper-Strategies.com to learn more about our strategic consulting practice Hello@ChangemakerConversations.com with topic suggestions, guest recommendations or questions On LinkedIn with Alyssa Conrardy, Lindsay Mullen and Prosper Strategies.

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