The Situation
A faith-based nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals and families in need sought to develop its first formal strategic plan. Despite decades of impact and a deeply committed volunteer network, the organization operated without a unified roadmap for growth. Leadership recognized that a strategic plan was essential to strengthen governance, align operations, and sustain its mission-driven service into the future.
The Challenge
The organization’s volunteer-led model was both its greatest strength and its biggest challenge. Without paid staff or formal infrastructure, operations had become decentralized, and communication varied across programs. Leaders understood that building for the future required more than good intentions—it required structure, clarity, and shared accountability. The organization needed a plan that could:
- Strengthen governance and clarify leadership roles.
- Improve internal systems and communication.
- Build financial and operational capacity.
- Expand community partnerships and visibility.
- Reaffirm its spiritual foundation while equipping it for modern challenges.
The Approach
Rivers & Roads Consulting was engaged to design and facilitate the organization’s first comprehensive strategic planning process. Grounded in the Bryson Framework for Strategic Planning, the effort centered on stakeholder engagement, guided inquiry, and faith-based decision-making.
Over six months, our team led a structured, inclusive process that combined quantitative and qualitative insights:
- Surveys gathered input from more than 100 volunteers, highlighting operational strengths and areas for improvement.
- Focus groups and interviews with donors, partners, and community members offered perspective on reputation, impact, and collaboration opportunities.
- Board and committee workshops helped synthesize data, test assumptions, and define strategic priorities.
- SWOT analysis consolidated findings to identify key themes shaping the organization’s future.
Through these conversations, three strategic priorities emerged, forming the foundation of the five-year plan:
- Spiritual and Organizational Alignment – Clarifying governance and membership roles while integrating the organization’s spiritual mission into daily operations.
- Operational Development and Improvement – Standardizing systems, improving financial oversight, and enhancing internal communication.
- Strategic Growth and Visibility – Expanding programs, strengthening partnerships, and improving storytelling and donor engagement.
The Results
The resulting plan provided a clear, actionable roadmap for 2025–2029. It introduced updated mission and vision statements, established a measurable implementation framework, and defined a structure for tracking progress through an annual scorecard. The document gave leadership and volunteers a shared language and direction—linking spiritual purpose with operational excellence.
The Impact
While implementation is just beginning, the organization is now equipped with the tools, structure, and confidence to move forward with clarity. The plan serves as both a roadmap and a recommitment to service—ensuring the organization can grow sustainably while remaining faithful to its mission. By grounding strategic planning in listening, collaboration, and spiritual alignment, Rivers & Roads helped transform a volunteer-led nonprofit into a mission-driven organization prepared to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision.