Helping Organizations That Do Good, Do Better
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Some Charities That We Actively Support
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Case Studies - Strategic Planning, Operational Planning and Budgeting
| Problem | Solution | Result |
| A small charity had completed its first strategic plan, but needed help developing a practical, measurable operating plan that supported its strategies. | We gathered the organization's best ideas and initiatives into a practical, workable plan given their very limited resources, and persuasively presented it to their Board. Because we developed an understanding of the organization's culture and unwritten goals through staff and volunteer interviews, we were also able to assume an advisory role to the new executive director in the delicate task of supervising, motivating and directing volunteers. | The organization approved the plan, and is in the process of implementing it through a series of volunteer committees. The executive director is providing effective leadership and support to the volunteers. And, the final fee was only two-thirds of the initial limit set in the organization's RFP. |
| Planning in a major professional body was ad hoc, budgeting was disconnected from planning, and strategies and tactics were not aligned. Continuing operations failed to embrace shifts in strategic focus. | We developed and implemented integrated strategic planning, operational planning and budgeting processes. We ensured that operating plans reflected and supported the strategic plans, and that budgets reflected the operational plans. | Over the several years of improved planning processes, the organization consistently set and achieved balanced budgets, saw operational initiatives better aligned with strategies, and stakeholders better informed. |
| Financial and operational reporting in a large association was not user focused and was not tied into strategies and plans, leaving Board members dissatisfied. | We significantly enhanced Board-level reporting, including implementing full quarterly financial reports and briefings, and annual report management discussion & analysis. | Board members reported a higher level of satisfaction with, and understanding of, reporting. Improved transparency and accountability to members was also achieved, exceeding the expectations brought about by emerging private-sector governance requirements. |