Over the years, reading books, working with leadership coaches, and attending seminars, I’ve learned that a strategic brief is one of those must-have documents that is a living compass for any nonprofit striving for real impact. It’s true in the profit world as well, but the nonprofit world needs much more help because the ROI is measured in impact.
Why a Strategic Brief Matters
Many times, plans often felt static and disconnected from the day-to-day needs of the communities we served. Traditional strategic plans would sit on the shelf, rarely referenced, much like a board handbook. The real work happened in the moment. Things started to click when I encountered the concept of real-time strategic planning—as described by David La Piana—things started to click. The idea is to keep strategy dynamic, always ready to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, and to engage the whole team in ongoing, meaningful decision-making.
What I’ve Learned from Coaches and Books
Here are a few principles that have stuck with me:
- Foundation First: Before setting ambitious goals, clarify your nonprofit’s core purpose and values. This is echoed in 3HAG Way and Scaling Up, which both stress the importance of a strong foundation—your “why”—to guide every decision2.
- Bridge the Gap: The 3HAG (Three-Year Highly Achievable Goal) framework taught me to connect long-term vision with short-term action. Setting a three-year goal gave our team confidence and focus, making the big picture feel achievable and actionable2.
- Real-Time Planning: Instead of annual retreats and static plans, I learned to adopt a cycle of continuous evaluation and adaptation. La Piana’s real-time approach means regularly checking our strategic position, involving staff and board, and making informed decisions quickly3.
- Measure What Matters: From Scaling Up and Metronomics, I learned the value of clear, measurable objectives—like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)—to track progress and keep everyone aligned4.
What a Strategic Brief Looks Like in Practice
Here’s how I now approach strategic briefs for nonprofits:
- Mission & Vision: Start with a clear statement of purpose and what success looks like.
- Unique Value: Define what sets your organization apart in the sector.
- Three-Year Goal (3HAG): Set an ambitious but achievable target for the next three years, with both quantitative and qualitative measures.
- Key Priorities: Identify the top 3–5 strategic priorities that will drive progress toward your goal.
- Objectives & Key Results: Break priorities into specific, measurable objectives and track them regularly.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Involve staff, board, and community in both planning and execution—shared ownership leads to better results.
- Real-Time Review: Make the brief a living document, revisited often, so you can pivot as circumstances change.
The Impact
Since adopting this approach, I’ve seen nonprofits move from reactive firefighting to proactive, mission-driven action. Teams are more aligned, resources are used more efficiently, and the organization is better equipped to seize new opportunities or weather unexpected storms. Scaling up—whether that means serving more people, expanding to new locations, or deepening your impact—becomes a matter of disciplined execution, not just hope or hustle.
“A strategic brief rooted in real-time planning and clear goals doesn’t just guide your nonprofit—it energizes your team and amplifies your impact.”
If you’re feeling stuck with traditional planning or overwhelmed by change, I encourage you to try this blend of real-time strategy and actionable briefs. It’s made all the difference in my journey—and it just might do the same for yours.s your team aligned and focused. It helps you make smarter decisions and increases your impact.
Recommended Reading
- The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution by David La Piana
A practical guide to real-time, adaptable strategic planning for nonprofits. - Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations by John M. Bryson
Comprehensive strategies and tools for effective nonprofit planning and sustained achievement. - Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
Essential growth framework focused on disciplined strategy, execution, and leadership. - 3HAG WAY by Shannon Susko
A step-by-step system for turning long-term vision into achievable three-year goals. - Metronomics by Shannon Susko
A holistic, repeatable playbook for sustainable business and organizational growth. - Scaling Altruium by Donald Summers
Provides a practical, seven-step roadmap for non-profits to grow their impact with clarity and sustainability.