Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations: A Practical Guide and Workbook

I have reviewed most of the strategic planning books for nonprofit organizations, and this is the best I have seen--no contest. It avoids the simplistic "easy as pie" approach of other planning books, but is nonetheless clear, logical and easy to follow. It recommends methodologies for protracted planning processes and much more modest efforts. The worksheets are terrific and it's great having them on disk for easy duplication.

The problem with so many books that deal with this subject matter is that they talk a lot of great theory but fall short when it comes to bringing things down to earth. This book, however, succeeds on both accounts. It offers not only a concrete step-by-step format, but solid rationales for the "why" question. Templates for the various forms that can be used with your group are an extra plus. Highly recommended!

This is an excellent guide to developing a strategic plan, from conception to execution. While emphasizing the fact that the process is messy and nonlinear, this book enables one to take the first step, plan to plan, and decide how indepth the focus needs to be. There is appropriate emphasis on the need to develop mission and vision, and detailed worksheets for every question that may be relevant to your organization's situation. The diskette provides all the templates for putting it together. Highly recommended.

Step-by-step advice regarding setting up a nonprofit strategic plan, mission/vision, environment assessment, and more. Good case studies compliment the strategies. Nice sections on monitoring plans. Templates included on diskette very helpful.

This book is hands-down the best reference for structuring and executing a strategic planning process. The layout is pleasing to the eye and the content is logical and well thought out with many practical checklists and worksheets (many included on the disk). I use it as a reference in my consulting business and this book can be applied to for-profit companies too. Highly recommended.