Understanding the Cost of Hiring a Strategic Planning Consultant for Your Nonprofit

As a nonprofit leader, you know that strategic planning is essential for setting clear goals, identifying priorities, and crafting a roadmap to achieve your mission. Hiring a strategic planning consultant can be a game-changer. These experts bring a wealth of experience, industry insights, and a structured approach to help organizations clarify their vision, set achievable goals, and chart a clear path forward. A skilled consultant doesn’t just facilitate discussions but brings new perspectives to the table, identifying opportunities and challenges that may not be immediately obvious to internal teams. For nonprofits especially, where resources are often limited, the right strategic plan can make all the difference in maximizing impact, optimizing resources, and securing long-term sustainability.

But one pressing question you might have is: how much will it cost to hire a strategic planning consultant?

The Cost of Nonprofit Strategic Planning Consultants

The cost of a nonprofit strategic planning consultant can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and scope of the project, the consultant’s experience, the number of consultants, and your location. Typically, fees range from $5,000 to $20,000. In some instances, the cost can be $50,000 - $100,000 or more depending on the size of the organization, facilitation needs, and complexity of assessment. For example, a one-time facilitation of a planning retreat may cost $3,500 while a team of consultants working up to a year may cost $250,000. For many small and medium nonprofits, a strategic planning creation process over a three-to-four month-period can be conducted in the $20,000 -- $60,000 range.

According to the 2022 Nonprofit Consultant Salary Survey, which included 56 consultants, the average hourly rate for a nonprofit consultant in any focus is $148. The billing average specifically for strategic planning consultants was slightly lower at $132 per hour, with an annual average income of $105,728. Strategic planning emerged as the most popular service, commanding higher hourly rates. In comparison, grant writing had the lowest average rate.

The number of hours for a nonprofit strategic planning consulting contract can vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the project. However, typical ranges are 50 to 200 hours. For a basic strategic plan or revising existing goals or addressing a couple specific challenges, plan for 20 to 50 hours. For a comprehensive strategic planning process, including stakeholder interviews, data analysis, and final plan development, the number of hours may be between 50 to 150 hours.

Larger nonprofits or complex projects may exceed 150 hours. Keep in mind that the more extensive engagement with staff, board members, and external stakeholders increases time. Tailoring the process to the nonprofit’s unique needs or challenges can also extend the hours needed.

Key Factors Influencing Cost

Several factors play a role in determining the cost of hiring a strategic planning consultant for your nonprofit:

1. Consultant’s Education: Consultants with master’s degrees charge the highest rates, followed by those with doctorates and bachelor’s degrees. This trend underscores the value placed on advanced education in the consulting field.

2. Demographics: The survey highlighted gender and racial disparities in consulting rates. Women consultants averaged $126 per hour, while men averaged $154 per hour. Additionally, white consultants billed higher rates than non-white consultants.

3. Location: If your nonprofit is located in a larger metropolitan area, you can expect to pay higher rates for a strategic planning consultant. The cost of living and demand for services in these areas often drive up consulting fees.

4. Experience: Interestingly, the survey found no correlation between years of nonprofit experience and the average hourly rate. This suggests that while experience is valuable, other factors such as specialization, reputation, and networking play a more significant role in determining cost.

What Services Will You Receive From a Nonprofit Strategic Planning Consultant?

Nonprofit strategic planning consultants offer a wide range of services designed to help your organization achieve sustainable growth. Their expertise typically includes:

• Developing short-term and long-term objectives

• Facilitating strategic retreats and meetings

• Identifying strategies to reach those objectives

• Assessing your organization’s capacity for change and growth

• Evaluating external factors that may impact your nonprofit

• Providing insights on gaining support from stakeholders such as board members and investors 

• Executive coaching

• Strategy implementation support

By working with a strategic planning consultant, your nonprofit can set a clear course of action for future growth and ensure that your resources are used effectively.

How to Find a Reputable Nonprofit Strategic Planning Consultant

Finding the right consultant is critical to the success of your strategic planning process. Here are a few tips to help you find a reputable consultant:

1. Referrals: The most popular way to find a consultant is through referrals from other nonprofits. Your network and existing relationships with colleagues can provide valuable insights into the value of strategic planning and working with consultants.

2. Directories: Many state nonprofit associations maintain directories of consultants who specialize in nonprofit services. These directories can be a good starting point for your search. Some examples include The Nonprofit Hive, Nonprofit.ist, Consultants for Good, and Consultants for Libraries.

3. Online Searches, Webinars, and Social Media: Searching online can also yield potential consultants. Look for those who offer free webinars or presentations, as this can give you a sense of their strategic planning model and work style before committing. You can also find consultants through social media platforms, where many share insights, case studies, and updates that reveal their approach and expertise. 

A Helpful Resource

We want to help you make smart choices when it comes to hiring a strategic planning consultant by sharing key insights and best practices. That’s why we created "The Dos and Don’ts of Hiring a Nonprofit Strategic Planning Consultant." This free eBook is designed to help you navigate the decision-making process, ensuring your organization gets the most value from your investment.

Inside, you’ll find expert advice and practical tips tailored specifically for nonprofit leaders. From understanding the right time to bring in a consultant to avoiding common pitfalls, this guide covers essential topics to help you make informed decisions. It also highlights ways to maximize efficiency, leverage external expertise effectively, and avoid unnecessary costs—all with your unique nonprofit challenges in mind.

Download the eBook today and gain the knowledge you need to confidently evaluate whether a consultant is the right fit for your organization!

Final Thoughts

Investing in a strategic planning consultant can be one of the most impactful decisions your nonprofit makes. While costs can vary, understanding the factors that influence these costs will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re planning a major expansion or simply seeking to refine your organization’s goals, a strategic planning consultant can provide the expertise and guidance you need to succeed.

Some Practical Activities to Navigate the New Political Landscape

The recent US presidential election could have a big impact on your organization, especially if you’re living and working in America. You may be feeling a variety of emotions and wondering how the results will have a positive and/or negative impact on you, your team, and your organization’s strategy, funding, and programs. 

Ignoring the potential opportunities and threats of the new climate could cost your organization a lot of money, force you to downsize or shift your team’s priorities, or disrupt your ability to meet your mission. 

Much like in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, our clients who best navigated this type of significant change conducted some practical strategic activities to guide their team. Below are three activities that you can consider implementing. 

• Discuss Your Core Values

Your organization’s core values are a key guide to how you and your team think and act.  At your next team meeting, consider asking each person to reflect on your organization’s values and describe how the values can provide guidance over the next several months. (In response to the impact of COVID, we wrote "Customized Guidance Right Under Your Nose,” a blog article that provides several additional ways to activate not just your values but your mission and vision too.)

• Conduct Some Practical Scenario Planning

Perhaps you and your team would like to discuss the potential impacts that the election may have on different components of your organization. If so, watch this informal three-minute video where I walk you through this simple worksheet that will help you consider the opportunities and threats that can impact some of your organizational visions and goals. 

• Learn from Your Constituents

Your organization’s mission likely exists to meet the needs of your key constituents. Understanding their core needs and aspirations going forward can help you refine your programmatic offerings. As an activity, assign several members of your team to reach out to three constituents to discuss their concerns, hopes, and plans going forward. Then, have a team meeting where each of you discuss what you’ve learned and how your strategies may need to change in response to your constituents’ new needs. 

While these activities are designed to be accessible and effective, you can get the most out of them by working with a skilled facilitator or consultant. If you’d like additional guidance, consider reaching out to someone you trust or connect with us at Mission Met. Our mission is to help your organization navigate complex changes and keep your strategic priorities aligned with your mission. Together, we can help you build resilience and adapt thoughtfully to the evolving landscape.

Best of luck to you and your team as you learn and acclimate to the new political climate.

Diversity in Marketing: A Mission Met DEIJ Training Series

As part of our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) at Mission Met, we're hosting internal workshops where each team member explores topics of interest about incorporating DEIJ principles into our work. These workshops help us better understand and commit to creating a diverse, fair, inclusive, and just environment at Mission Met and in our broader community.

This is the seventh workshop in our series, and we’re excited to share the key takeaways with you about inclusive marketing. You can access the slides for this presentation to learn more. (You can also find insights from our previous workshops on project management, unconscious bias, allyship, reflections on our company's current DEIJ efforts, recent DEIJ news, and inclusive design.) 

Introduction to Diversity in Marketing

During the latest training session, Megan Drapcho led the presentation on the importance of diversity in marketing. Megan serves as a marketing team member and helps implement Mission Met’s and Causey’s marketing content including social posts, email campaigns, outreach, and more. The presentation's key focus areas include what inclusive marketing is, its importance, the benefits of diversity, and practical strategies for implementation. 

With the ever-evolving demographics of society, the necessity of reflecting these changes in marketing strategies is crucial to help people connect with your mission. Incorporating diversity into marketing efforts builds trust and loyalty among consumers. By accurately representing a broad range of societal identities, businesses not only foster deeper connections but also expand market reach. Diversity also fosters creativity and innovation, key drivers of long-term success.

Key Elements and Benefits of Diversity in Marketing

Representation is a cornerstone of diverse marketing. The training emphasized the importance of inclusive visuals and accessibility, ensuring marketing materials speak to all potential consumers. To be inclusive, marketing content needs to be culturally aware and avoid harmful stereotypes, which can quickly alienate audiences and induce further harm.

Statistics from a brand inclusion index, showcases how diversity impacts purchasing and perception decisions. Organizations that embrace diversity in their messaging are better positioned to attract and retain loyal customers with 75% of consumers noting that diversity and inclusion influence their purchase decisions.

Implementing Diversity in Marketing

To make diversity actionable, Megan shared several strategies. One of the first steps is to audit marketing materials, examining language, accessibility, and the use of diverse images. She also mentioned the Causey Supports Historically Marginalized Communities Program as a model for meaningful engagement with diverse communities.

Other specific ways we want to ensure inclusion with our marketing materials include the following:

• Include people of color, people with disabilities, and

• people of different ages in our images.

• Ensure all content is ADA-compliant.

• Ensure our writing is free of biases or stereotypes.

• Avoid language that insinuates that being white,

• straight, college-educated, or wealthy is the default.

• Diversify names of hypothetical people.

During the discussion, the team suggested creating content that accommodates different learning modes and visual representations, making it more accessible to a broader audience.  Incorporating alt text for images and ensuring website accessibility are vital steps in inclusive marketing.

The team shared examples of how previous marketing materials use deliberate graphics and names to reflect diversity. The group agreed that thoughtful representation requires effort but is crucial to avoid tokenism or superficial gestures.

A critical point was the importance of training marketing teams on DEI principles. Megan urged the team to continually seek opportunities for improving diversity and promoting equity, noting that it requires constant evaluation and effort.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Megan closed the presentation by reiterating the importance of being a genuine DEIJ advocate. Authenticity and continuous learning are key to creating an inclusive marketing strategy that resonates with consumers. The team discussed the need to internalize DEI principles and incorporate them into every aspect of our work. We left the meeting committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our marketing efforts and overall business.

Could Expanding Your Nonprofit Network Be a Strategic Power Play?

This is a guest post from Tasha Van Vlack, founder and CEO at The Nonprofit Hive.

Introduction

Connections are the lifeblood of the nonprofit sector. It is the people behind the mission that weave together the fabric of collaboration, support, and shared mission that drives impactful change.

“Strategic networking” has gotten a bad rap - like the only reason you are networking is to get something out of the exchange. But in many ways, aren’t we always looking for an exchange (even if it is of ideas/opinions) when we connect with any other person?

When nonprofits take the time to build, maintain and leverage connections, they unlock the power of weak links, those often-overlooked acquaintances who can open doors to new opportunities and resources. By fostering strategic communities and cultivating a supportive network, we as individuals can contribute to transforming how nonprofits thrive and innovate.

The Benefits of Nonprofit Networking

Networking stopped being about collecting business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn a long time ago. With more technology and ability to connect than ever before, social impact professionals need to use tech for good to create a web of relationships that can support, uplift, and drive your mission forward. 

Here’s just a handful of reasons why investing in nonprofit networking is a strategic move:

Resource Sharing

One of the top benefits of networking is access to a wealth of resources. No one I know in the nonprofit sector has the time or the energy to sift through the thousands of websites that come up when you type in ‘nonprofit marketing.’ So instead, we often rely on our connections to other nonprofit professionals to open doors, direct us to great resources and introduce us to funding opportunities, volunteers and partnerships. 

Whether it’s finding a grant writer through a connection or discovering a volunteer with a unique skill set, these resources can be game-changers for your organization.

Increased Visibility

Networking helps put your nonprofit on the map. When I first started The Nonprofit Hive, it was all about brand awareness and getting the message out there. By building relationships with other organizations and influencers in the sector, you increase your visibility and credibility. This can lead to more speaking engagements, media opportunities, and invitations to join collaborative projects. As you become more well-known, your ability to attract support and resources grows exponentially.

Access to Expertise

No nonprofit can thrive in isolation. Yet for some reason a culture of connection + networking is sometimes discouraged because of concerns over competition for resources. 

But nonprofit networking allows you to tap into a vast pool of knowledge and expertise. Need advice on a new program? Looking for insights on best practices? Your network can provide invaluable guidance and support. By learning from others’ experiences and successes, you can avoid pitfalls and implement strategies that have been proven to work.

Creating a Culture of Nonprofit Collaboration

Does your nonprofit have a culture of collaboration?

As I noted above, fears of competition for dollars often win out but a collaborative culture is vital for nonprofit organizations. It empowers team members, enhances innovation, and drives collective success. A strong sense of community and collaboration can significantly amplify impact.

But where do we start if this is not how your nonprofit currently operates?

1. To foster collaboration, start by promoting open communication. Encourage team members to share ideas, feedback, and challenges openly. This builds trust and ensures everyone feels heard and valued.

2. Next, create opportunities for teamwork. Organize regular brainstorming sessions, cross-departmental projects, and team-building activities. This not only strengthens relationships but also leverages diverse skills and perspectives.

3. Another key step is to lead by example. Show a commitment to collaboration through your actions and decisions. Recognize and celebrate collaborative efforts, setting a standard for others to follow.

4. Lastly, invest in tools and resources that facilitate collaboration. Whether it’s project management software, regular check-ins, or training programs, providing the right support can make collaboration seamless and effective.

Building a culture of collaboration is going to take time and effort - two things often in short supply in the nonprofit sector. But the rewards here can be world changing. When trust and teamwork are at the heart of your organization, you create a resilient, innovative, and unified force ready to tackle any challenge.

Building Strategic Communities Through Networking

What if your nonprofit team who supported food scarcity in New York State was able to connect with a food bank in Oregon? Or was able to meet other local nonprofits that address poverty? How would those connections or different supports move your own mission forward?

Strategic communities are intentionally built networks of individuals and organizations aligned by a shared mission. In the nonprofit sector, these communities are invaluable, serving as hubs for collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing.

Unlike casual networking, strategic communities are purpose-driven, creating spaces where members exchange ideas, support each other’s goals, and work together on initiatives that drive meaningful change. They are built on mutual trust and a common vision, making them powerful tools for nonprofits.

Often these groups bring together diverse talents and perspectives - key ingredients that lead to innovative solutions and greater collective impact. For example, a community focused on homelessness might include nonprofits, local businesses, government agencies, and volunteers, pooling resources and developing comprehensive strategies.

Strategic communities also foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Members share best practices, mentor each other, and support one another through challenges, sparking new ideas and encouraging innovation.

By fostering collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing, strategic communities play a crucial role in advancing nonprofit missions.

Are you ready to expand your Nonprofit Network?

For too long nonprofit professionals have been siloed to their own corners of the industry, scrambling for funding, stressing about “unique” challenges and more. But have we all been making a mistake by not making the time and space for a robust nonprofit network?

Building and nurturing nonprofit connections is more than just a beneficial practice; it is an essential strategy for growth and sustainability.

Recap of this article:

• Networking Benefits: Investing in networking leads to resource sharing, increased visibility, and access to expertise, driving your nonprofit’s mission forward.

• Community Building: Clear vision, authentic engagement, social media leverage, and continuous nurturing are key strategies for building a vibrant and supportive community.

• Strategic Communities: Purpose-driven networks foster collaboration, innovation, and resource sharing, amplifying the collective impact.

Call to Action

Now is the time to invest in your networking efforts. 

Start by identifying potential weak links and strategic communities that align with your mission. Engage authentically, provide value, and maintain momentum to build a dynamic network. Whether you’re attending events, leveraging social media, or fostering collaborations, every connection can contribute to your nonprofit’s success.

You're not only enhancing your organization’s capabilities but also contributing to a more resilient and impactful nonprofit sector. 

So take action today, build those connections, and watch your nonprofit thrive.

TASHA VAN vlack

is the founder and CEO at The Nonprofit Hive, a free community platform for changemakers to connect weekly and collaborate one-to-one. Tasha has been building bridges and connecting with nonprofit professionals for the last 7 years through a mixture of marketing, sales and customer success conversations. Tasha’s passion is people and you are most likely to find her in her spare time floating around LinkedIn, helping build engagement through Ember2Action or questioning the state of nonprofit with other nonprofiteers.

Discover Causey's Latest Updates

At Causey (Mission Met’s strategic planning execution software), our mission is to empower nonprofits with the best tools for success. We’re excited to share our latest software update, packed with new features designed to enhance your experience and help your organization achieve its mission more effectively.

This update includes a range of enhancements that make managing your strategic plan easier and more customizable. From setting start dates on Action Items to new filtering options in Section 2, we’re giving you more control over your planning process. These small but impactful updates are crafted to save you time and streamline your workflow.

We’ve also introduced more options for customization, including the ability to download your plan as a PowerPoint for personalized presentations and the addition of custom fields for Causey’s Solid tier members. Plus, with the new Dashboard View, you can now quickly access all your key metrics within a specific time frame.

And that’s just the beginning—an exciting new Execution View is on the horizon, designed to keep you focused and productive by displaying your to-do list. Although it’s not ready just yet, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at what’s coming.

Ready to dive into all the details? Discover how these updates can revolutionize your strategic planning process by checking out the full article here.

4 Fun Tips for Rocking Your Strategic Plan Execution

“Strategic plan execution” might sound like a big, scary monster, but it doesn't have to be. Think of it as the fun bridge that connects your vision to real-world results. Sure, there are a few moving parts, and you might have hit some roadblocks before — like overly complex plans, limited resources, uncertainty, communication hiccups and plain old resistance to change.

But guess what? You can totally simplify this process! In doing so, you’re less likely to put it on a shelf and then end up ghosting your strategic plan.

Here are four easy (and fun) tips to streamline your strategic plan execution and empower your team to smash those goals with confidence and clarity.

1. Calendar Magic: Your New Best Friend

Keeping track of meetings is a cornerstone of executing your strategic plan. Regular meetings help maintain momentum, foster communication and ensure everyone is on the same page. Here’s how.

• Set regular meetings. Schedule recurring strategic planning meetings to review progress, tackle challenges and celebrate wins. We suggest planning out a year’s worth of meetings in advance. Here’s a handy template for suggested meetings throughout the year. Remember, you can adjust as needed, but setting placeholders in everyone’s calendars ahead of time ensures the team stays connected to your strategic plan.

• Agenda and minutes. Always distribute an agenda before each meeting and document minutes to track decisions and action items. Share these with your team afterward to keep everyone in the loop.

• Track and discuss progress. Keep the agenda focused on sharing successes (i.e., “what’s working”), challenges (i.e., “what’s not working”) and pivots (i.e., “what you’re going to do differently going forward”). 

• Celebrate success. Make sure you celebrate success as a team, stay positive and celebrate the accomplishments.

2. Bite-Sized Tasks: Make Projects Manageable

Big projects can feel like climbing a mountain, but breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks makes everything easier and way less stressful. 

Here are some tips:

• Break-up tasks. Split projects into clear, actionable tasks with specific goals and deadlines.

• Assign task owners. Each task should have a designated owner responsible for its completion. Include start and due dates so everyone knows what's expected from the start.

• Track progress. Use task management tools to monitor progress and tweak plans as necessary to stay on track.

3. Tech to the Rescue: Monitor, Evaluate and Communicate

Technology is helpful for monitoring and evaluating the progress of your strategic plan. It provides real-time insights and helps with informed decision-making.

If you don’t know where to start, here are my recommendations.

• Strategy execution software. Use a tool like Causey to host your plan, monitor project timelines, measure metrics and track task/goal completion.

• Try artificial intelligence (AI). AI can help build your plan (or suggest changes) by assessing your organization and benchmarking common goals. It can track progress, analyze data and provide insights on resource allocation. Just remember to verify the information AI provides.

• Make it pretty. Occasionally, communicate your plan’s progress externally — to your funders, key constituents and partners — using tools like Zeck or Canva.

4. Automate the Boring Stuff: Focus on What Matters

Automation frees up valuable time and resources, letting your team focus on high-impact strategic initiatives. Start by identifying repetitive but essential tasks — these are the processes that could benefit from being sped up through automation. Once you’ve pinpointed these tasks, consider implementing automation tools for activities such as email marketing, data entry and report generation. 

Using automation tools, you can redirect the time and resources saved toward more strategic activities, ultimately driving greater impact and efficiency for your organization.

By following these four tips, your organization can turn strategic plan execution from a daunting task into an achievable, fun process. Calendars for meetings, manageable tasks, tech for monitoring and evaluation, and automation for repetitive tasks will keep your team focused, efficient, and on track to achieve your mission.

This article was originally written for Nonprofit Pro.

Inclusive Design: A Mission Met DEIJ Training Series

As part of our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) at Mission Met, we're hosting internal workshops where each team member explores topics of interest about incorporating DEIJ principles into our work

These workshops help us better understand and commit to creating a diverse, fair, inclusive, and just environment at Mission Met and in our broader community. This is the sixth workshop in our series and we’re sharing the key takeaways with you. (You can also find insights from our previous workshops on project management, unconscious bias, allyship, a reflection of our company’s current DEIJ efforts, and recent DEIJ news.)

The Topic

This workshop focused on the importance of accessibility, web accessibility in general, and accessibility in Causey and outlined various principles, guidelines, and best practices for creating accessible web products. 

Nick Smith, a software developer at Mission Met, presented on this topic. His professional journey is deeply influenced by a personal connection to accessibility; his wife works as an intervention specialist, which provides him with a unique perspective on how individuals with disabilities navigate and often face barriers within various systems.

These insights into the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities sparked a desire to make digital spaces more inclusive. As a developer, he is keen to understand and implement the various tools and methods that can enhance accessibility in software products.

Through his exploration of accessibility, Nick has gained valuable technical knowledge about the tools and libraries available to developers. More importantly, he has come to understand that disability is far more common than he previously believed. This realization has reinforced his commitment to designing for disability, recognizing that such efforts not only benefit the affected population but also improve the overall user experience.

Introduction to Accessibility

This article highlights the key takeaways from this workshop including an introduction to accessibility and best practices. You can access the presentation slides for more information.

The training began with a quick overview about accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These are guidelines that provide a comprehensive framework for creating accessible websites, with the following principles:

• Perceivable: Users must be able to see or hear the information. This includes providing captions for videos for users who are hard of hearing.

• Operable: Users must be able to interact with and operate the website, which includes providing keyboard access.

• Understandable: The content must be comprehensible. This involves using clear and simple language and avoiding jargon.

• Robust: The website should be compatible with various tools and devices, such as screen readers.

Engaging Exercises

Prior to the training, the Mission Met team explored our own software, keeping accessibility in mind. These exercises provided the team with tangible insight into what individuals with disabilities experience on a regular basis. It helped us gain awareness and empathy for these individuals. Because we are more mindful of the challenges they face, we want to be better developers of products and services to ensure inclusivity.

For example, individuals with disabilities often experience the common digital accessibility challenges listed below:

1. Screen Reader Issues: Users relying on screen readers encounter difficulties because certain interactive elements (such as expandable or collapsible sections, icons, names, and color-coded buttons) do not announce themselves properly. This limits the accessibility and usability of the information.

2. Visual Impairments and Color Blindness: Did you know that 70 Percent of Internet Websites in some industries are unavailable to visually impaired users? Visual impairment includes color blindness and key information on websites can be obscured by a color-coded scheme. This makes it difficult for them to distinguish important elements and access necessary information effectively.

3. Keyboard Navigation Difficulties: Navigating software using only the keyboard can reveal challenges with completing tasks efficiently. Keyboard-based navigation varies from software tool to software tool, and inconsistent suport hinders their ability to interact with software.

4. Content Complexity: Many users of software would benefit from simpler language and wording. It’s important for product teams and developers to simplify language, avoid complex sentences, and eliminate confusing wording to enhance clarity and understanding.

We want to continue to grow and evolve as a business and most of the exercises we completed revealed ways that the software's accessibility could be improved to provide a better experience for users of all abilities. If you’re interested in exploring ways to test software for accessibility purposes or to build your own empathy, here is a list of exercises.

Best Practices for Accessibility

Through the discussion, we touched on some best practices for making sure our products and services are accessible. 

• Involve Users with Disabilities: Engage users with disabilities early and often in the design process to understand their experiences and needs.

• Flexibility and Consistency: Create flexible designs that can be adapted to new needs and maintain consistency in design to reduce surprises and increase accessibility.

• Text-to-Speech and Focus Aids: Utilize text-to-speech software and focus aids to assist users with cognitive impairments.

• Cognitive Impairments: Addressing cognitive impairments such as attention deficit disorders, memory impairment, and learning disabilities involves making content understandable and using tools like text-to-speech.

• Design Strategies: Use simple language, consistent navigation, chunk information into manageable pieces, and minimize errors to make the website more accessible.

Future Direction

Beyond the realm of software development, Nick is passionate about extending accessibility practices to consulting, training, and marketing. He seeks to explore and promote best practices that ensure inclusivity in all aspects of Mission Met's work, striving to create an environment where everyone can fully participate and thrive.

This training helped our team recognize the significant areas where we can enhance accessibility in all aspects of our business. This experience has increased our empathy for individuals with various disabilities. It has also highlighted how accessibility challenges, despite the foundations laid by the ADA in the 1990s, remain prevalent across industries and around the globe.

Our awareness has expanded to include the spectrum of disabilities of all kinds—temporary, situational, and permanent—and how Universal Design seeks to create digital environments, products, services, and communication methods that help people of all different abilities. As we continue to improve, our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity will not only enhance user experience but also contribute to a more equitable digital world for everyone.

Making Strategic Plans Work: Practical Tips for Mission-Driven Organizations

Are you frustrated with dedicating hours to developing comprehensive strategic plans, only for them to be forgotten? Many mission-driven organizations encounter this issue, often stumbling during the implementation phase due to common pitfalls. In a recent LinkedIn Live conversation, Jamie Yazdani from Yazdani Consulting and Ricky Chilcott, co-founder of Mission Met, delve into these challenges and present actionable solutions.To read a summary of the conversation, check out this article on Causey’s blog.

The key issues (and solutions) highlighted include:

- Being overly ambitious without adequate resources: Set realistic goals and track progress, adjusting plans as necessary.

- Creating overly complex plans: Simplify your strategic plan to make it accessible and actionable for all team members.

- Lack of team engagement: Involve your entire team from the beginning to ensure buy-in and ownership.

- Absence of champions: Assign champions to drive the plan forward, fostering accountability and collaboration.

- Failure to track progress: Establish regular review and measurement processes to stay aligned with strategic goals.

Using a tool like Causey can streamline these processes, helping organizations track their strategic progress and celebrate successes. To learn more about effective strategic planning and how to implement these solutions, watch the full conversation on YouTube or visit www.causey.app.

DEIJ In the News: A Mission Met DEIJ Training Series

As part of our efforts to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) at Mission Met, we're hosting internal workshops where each team member explores topics of interest about incorporating DEIJ principles into our work

These workshops help us better understand and commit to creating a diverse, fair, inclusive, and just environment at Mission Met and in our broader community. This is the fourth workshop in our series and we’re sharing the key takeaways with you. (You can also find insights from our previous workshops on project management, unconscious bias, allyship, and a reflection of our company’s current DEIJ efforts.)

The Topic: DEIJ In The News

This month, Megan Drapcho who serves in a marketing and communications role at Mission Met, presented on the changing landscape of DEIJ by highlighting recent news pieces and court rulings that have impacted DEIJ efforts. 

Megan’s responsibilities for Mission Met include writing and building emails for our current customers, as well as marketing our products and services to potential customers. Additionally, she writes blog articles, manages our social media channels, and assists in creating videos and presentations. Another key priority is ensuring customer success by creating help content and assisting with answering help tickets.

The topic of reviewing DEIJ news came up because we typically discuss current events before meetings start or during our semi-monthly team lunches. Megan chose to present on this topic to provide more information about some of the major DEIJ developments from the past year. Additionally, it's essential for us to understand these developments and consider their potential impact on our work.

Through compiling information for the presentation, she gained a deeper understanding of the various issues and initiatives related to DEIJ, including how different organizations (both nonprofit and for-profit) are addressing these challenges and the outcomes of their efforts. There are varying degrees of progress and setbacks within this field which highlights the complexities and ongoing nature of DEIJ work, and it’s important we’re all on the same page about Mission Met’s goals moving forward.

Given that this is an election year, it would be insightful to revisit this topic in a year to compare and contrast the changes over time, both politically and professionally. She would like to explore how political developments influence DEIJ initiatives and the impact of these changes on organizational policies and practices.

Key Takeaways

In this recent DEIJ training series for Mission Met, we identified several key takeaways from recent news and any impacts for our organization's DEIJ efforts. Overall, the discussion touched on the complexity of DEI initiatives across various sectors (business, higher education, and nonprofit) and the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation to ensure meaningful progress.

Impact on Businesses:

Businesses are shifting away from using the term DEIJ due to perceived divisiveness, rebranding these initiatives under different terms like "employee experience." There's still strong public support for the goals of DEIJ, but legal and political scrutiny has made companies cautious. Companies are advised to clearly document business reasons for DEIJ initiatives, focus on culture rather than quotas, provide training, and stay updated with legal advice.

Articles highlighted include Companies Rush to Define DEI from Axios and DEI Is Under Attack. Here’s How Companies Can Mitigate the Legal Risks from HBR.

Impact on Higher Education: 

The Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions was discussed, leading universities to reconsider their admission criteria. Universities are shifting toward considering socioeconomic status and other factors instead of race.

Articles highlighted include Divided Supreme Court outlaws affirmative action in college admissions, says race can’t be used from AP

Challenges for Nonprofits:

Nonprofits are facing challenges in implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice initiatives. Lately, news is expressing dissatisfaction with the progress made including a lack of diversity in the nonprofit sector.  Teams making up nonprofits don’t look like the communities they serve and a lack of diversity is an issue for leaders of nonprofits. Nonprofits also struggle with executing strategies for DEIJ efforts due to a lack of resources. Additionally, there is a need to address rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Efforts to avoid divisive language and promote inclusion were highlighted, similar to what higher education and businesses are experiencing.

Articles highlighted include Diversity Work Isn’t Working. It’s Time to Consider a New Approach and Actions Have Yet to Match Words on DEI, Nonprofit Survey Says from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Despite DEI progress, most nonprofit staffs don’t look like their communities from HR Dive, and The larger the nonprofit, the more likely it is run by a white man, says new Candid diversity report from AP

Moving Forward

This presentation gave us an opportunity to reflect on our company’s strategy.  Our team shared mixed feelings about the dilution of DEIJ efforts. Some expressed concern that rebranding and reducing visibility might undermine the impact of these goals, while others hope for a continuation of the substantive work without the need for public recognition. Based on these key takeaways, questions were raised about whether to “double down” on DEIJ efforts or reconsider language and strategies in light of changing circumstances.

Despite challenges and questions, our commitment to DEIJ efforts was reaffirmed. We plan to focus on making a positive impact with this work and look forward to continuing it and sharing outcomes and progress with our audience.

Uniting for Impact: The Power of Strategic Communities

A version of this article was written for Nonprofit Hive.

This article stems from a thought-provoking conversation I had with Michelle Flores Vryn, a certified fundraising executive and esteemed nonprofit leader. Almost a year ago, Michelle and I had a chat about the power of communities that strategically plan and collaborate to drive meaningful change. Michelle had made a LinkedIn post about “co-strategic planning” and we connected to discuss what this might look like. Our exchange fueled a passion for exploring the nuances, benefits, and challenges of strategic community engagement.

The concept of “planning together,” a la Mission Met’s THRIVE cohort-based strategic planning program, wasn’t new to me. However, I hadn’t thought about how organizations in the same geographic region or sectors across the country could be strengthened by planning in concert with each other.

As ideas often do, this concept simmered in the back of my mind until circumstances aligned to bring it to fruition. More recently, I’ve been connected to my local community foundation, Athens County Foundation, and their launch of Project Co-Create. Their leadership has been reading The Flat Org Chart by Dan Palotta. It’s exciting work in my own backyard, and I’m looking forward to what comes from this transformational approach over the next years and decades.

Coupled with the ethos of collaboration and transparency championed by Nonprofit HIVE, I wanted to write an article about this very topic. And now, on to the article…

In today's rapidly evolving world, the importance of communities coming together to enact meaningful change cannot be overstated. 

In this article, we'll delve into the transformative potential of strategic communities, emphasizing the necessity of strategic planning, transparent sharing of strategies, and collaborative efforts in what I term “co-strategic planning.” While the concept of co-strategic planning for communities is relatively new, we believe the principles we see work in strategic planning with organizations can translate seamlessly. By applying strategic planning methodologies at a community level, we can harness collective strengths, align resources, and address complex challenges.

Strategic Communities Drive Effective Change

Communities that operate with a strategic mindset are inherently more effective at creating tangible change and influencing the world around them. By aligning their efforts towards well-defined goals and objectives, these communities can maximize their impact and address pressing issues with precision and efficiency. A community who is not aligned, pulling in many different directions, waste resources, fail to utilize their assets effectively, and end up accomplishing fewer goals than others.

A new initiative in my local community, New Leaf Justice Enterprise, exemplifies this approach by deploying a comprehensive strategy that focuses on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Social Determinates of Work (SDOW).

New Leaf's approach will address generational poverty by recognizing how trauma, incarceration, or substance misuse can disrupt families and impact overall health, creating a cycle of generational trauma. By restoring the family's support network, New Leaf aims to enable both the family and the community to thrive.

Their strategy involves providing facilities to respond to crises, building resilience, and offering trauma-informed programming alongside essential services like case management, job training, housing, affordable childcare, living-wage employment, and supportive networks of care. These services are essential for rehabilitation and resilience, qualities vital for an effective local workforce and thriving industries. 

When communities unite behind such targeted and comprehensive approaches, they can achieve significant and lasting positive outcomes for their members and we can’t wait to see New Leaf’s progress in the coming years.

The Importance of Transparent Strategy Sharing

While strategic planning is essential at an organizational level, its impact is greatly amplified when accompanied by transparent sharing of strategies, outcomes, results, and failures. Openly sharing strategic insights and lessons learned fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within and across communities. 

Vida Verde, a long-time customer of ours, has been on an inspiring journey of success, driven in part by their unwavering commitment to a "we're all in this together" approach to strategy. It’s not just heady stuff - each team member owns a specific focus area within their plan. These dedicated individuals regularly present updates on their focus areas during team meetings, fostering a culture where the plan remains at the forefront of everyone's minds. This approach not only promotes transparency but also cultivates a sense of unity and shared purpose among the team. As a result, Vida Verde's organization is propelled forward with clarity and collective determination.

When strategies are shared openly, barriers to progress are dismantled, and collective knowledge becomes a powerful tool for positive change. Moreover, transparent sharing promotes accountability and trust, reinforcing the commitment of community members to work towards common goals. By embracing transparency in strategic planning, communities unlock new avenues for learning, innovation, and solidarity, ultimately strengthening their capacity to effect lasting change.

Co-Strategic Planning: Fostering Collaborative Success

At the heart of effective community engagement lies the concept of co-strategic planning – a collaborative approach where stakeholders come together to co-create and implement strategic initiatives. Unlike traditional models driven by competition and siloed agendas, co-strategic planning emphasizes partnership, synergy, and collective impact. By defining clear outcomes desired by the community and then pooling resources, expertise, and networks, communities can tackle systemic challenges with a unified front, transcending individual interests in favor of shared progress. ‘

The seeds of a remarkable partnership were planted during a cohort program we hosted a few years back. It was a serendipitous encounter between two members, representing historical societies that stood miles apart geographically – Southeast Ohio History Center and Folsom History Museum. Despite the distance, they discovered a common ground in their challenges and embarked on separate networking meetings to exchange insights and experiences. 

These spontaneous connections can blossom into a powerful collaboration, highlighting the profound truth that collaboration breeds strength. Their shared experiences reaffirmed the notion that sharing strategic initiatives can pave the way for remarkable success.

Through co-strategic planning, competitive behaviors are diminished, and partnerships between organizations are strengthened, paving the way for inclusivity and sustainability. By focusing on addressing underlying issues rather than running programs, communities unlock the transformative potential to effect systemic change and foster societal resilience.

An Early Model

A recent initiative exemplifies the concept of community strategic effort. Collaboratory, a Community Foundation dedicated to addressing Southwest Florida's major social issues by 2040, works collaboratively with donors and community partners to leverage regional resources. With a focus on upskilling the workforce, increasing access to affordable housing, and enhancing health and wellness, Collaboratory emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to maximize impact. Through initiatives like the FutureMakers Coalition, aimed at increasing education levels, Collaboratory has demonstrated effective collaboration and progress tracking methods. 

Building on this success, Collaboratory has launched two additional networks focused on affordable housing (Home Coalition) and community health (Health & Wellness Coalition). Each network sets specific goals to measure progress toward solving complex social problems, with plans to expand into environmental initiatives in the future. 

Through grants and leadership training, Collaboratory is committed to supporting these efforts and driving positive change in the community.

The illustrious Dan Pallotta begins to paint a picture of how to do this in The Flat Org Chart, a quick read that will have you excited to be part of championing such a journey in your community.

This Is Just the Beginning

The journey towards a better world is one that requires collective action, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment. By embracing strategic thinking, transparent sharing of strategies, and collaborative co-strategic planning, communities can harness their collective potential to drive meaningful change and shape a future that is equitable, sustainable, and thriving for all. Together, let us unite in our pursuit of a better tomorrow, guided by the belief that our shared efforts hold the power to transform lives and communities for generations to come.

I challenge you to consider how you can begin to move toward co-strategic planning in your community. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Build a mastermind of recent Hivers from across the world or country to brainstorm and take action on deepening impact.

• Ask your funders if they're thinking about collective impact and how you can work together to make that happen.

• Read Dan Palotta’s book, The Flat Org Chart.

• Find organizations across sectors locally that would be willing to have some “co-strategic planning sessions.”

• Brainstorm partnerships your organization might be able to build to help solve a need in your community.

As your plans take shape, remember the power of transparency and sharing. Open the doors wide and invite others in to collaborate and contribute - share your learnings on LinkedIn, write blog posts, and engage deeply in conversation. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that resonates throughout our communities. Can’t wait to see you there!