Maybe you have heard the words “strategic plan” in the last couple of months or maybe your nonprofit has been considering creating a new strategic plan. Either way now is a more important time than ever to develop a quality strategic plan for your museum, park, or other nonprofit. Why is now the time to create a strategic plan? Because the world has changed. A lot. A few years ago, no one would have thought we would be where we are. That means that museums, parks, and nonprofits everywhere are in need of a new plan that properly aligns the future of the organization with the needs of their community. Below we are going to look at the ways the world has changed for nonprofits and what implications that has.

Strategic Planning in a changed world

Nonprofits did two things during the pandemic. They either put everything on pause or they changed themselves considerably in order to stay open. Either way, they face a challenge as the world looks to reopen and return to the new normal. So many things have changed, including us. Many Americans report being so used to different restrictions or lifestyle changes that they continue to do them out of habit. With such a clear change and more changes coming over the next few years, it is essential to know where you’re going and how that can align with your community.

For nonprofits that paused, they are not in the position they expected to be. Their prior plan no longer applies and being without a plan is a dangerous thing. Fundraising, programing, basic operation, and more have been on hold for so long. Entering into the next year or more without a specific, strategic plan could easily spell disaster. The decisions they make to reopen and reengage with their donors, constituents, and communities will have a long-term effect. Having a plan that considers the past changes and the future is key for making the crucial decisions that lie ahead.

Similarly, nonprofits that have changed everything to stay open also face an uncertain future. During the COVID pandemic, so many organizations tried out new operations without much consideration. Events were taken outside, galleries were rearranged, and everything was taken online. Digital fundraising, electronic payment, timed tickets, and more changed the way day-to-day operations have been conducted. For organizations that have all the new operations, understanding what they need to keep and what needs to go is important to shaping the future. Not everything that was useful over the last year will continue to be useful, but there is potential for certain trends to play a significant role in the long-term. Having a strategic plan is incredibly useful for groups adjusting to what will stay and what will go after working through so many changes in the last year.

The Bottom Line

It’s not often that the world changes as much as it has in only a year. It is important to not let that change damage your organization. It has been a challenging year whether you stayed open or pressed pause. Regardless of whether you are restarting from square one or have been constantly evolving, settling down and setting up a strategic plan as a foundation is the right decision. Don’t let all the hard work and patience go to waste by failing to plan for the future. Now is a pivotal time for nearly every organization, so align your future with a proper strategic plan.

Thinking back a year ago, did you think the world would be where it is today? We didn’t either. In order to prepare for your future and maximize your success, NMBL Strategies will help you develop a strategic plan that sets your organization on the right path. Don’t wait to get started. Download our free Strategic Plan Prep Guide today!

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