What is a strategic plan and how long should it cover?

We’ve never done a formal strategic plan. We just go from project to project based on what funding is available. Is that bad?

We have a three-year strategic plan but most staff don’t know what’s in it.

Operating project-by-project without a strategic plan creates significant problems: mission drift, dependence on whatever funding is available, and difficulty building long-term capacity.

Key elements of a CSO strategic plan:

• Organisational mission, vision, and values
• Environmental scan (SWOT or PEST analysis)
• Strategic priorities (usually 3–5)
• Goals, objectives, and key activities for each priority
• Resource requirements and funding strategy
• M&E framework with KPIs
• Governance and management structures

Recommended planning horizon: 3–5 years, with annual operating plans nested within it. Review and refresh every 3 years.

Addressing the “plan nobody reads” problem: Keep it accessible — a one-page summary version is useful for staff. Review progress against the plan at every board meeting.