Program Details:
Investing time in strategic planning can help a nonprofit clarify its goals, avoid mission creep, identify actionable plans, and track progress. A strategic plan guides decision making and serves as a roadmap to success. But, planning takes time and the process can often take a back seat to other priorities. The Nonprofit Center in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits, is offering a 3-month cohort program for 501(c)(3) organizations that wish to engage in a strategic planning process within the next year. Participants will begin an environmental scan and leave with a work plan to complete the full process. The program includes a combination of in-person and online training sessions for two people from 10 organizations.
Application Opens: November 17, 2023
Application Deadline: December 13, 2023 (closed)
Notification: January 3, 2024
Cost: $0
In-Person Dates:
January 17, March 13, and April 10
Location: AACo Heritage Complex, Independence Room
2660 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD. 21401 MAP/Directions
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Virtual Dates:
January 31, February 14, February 28, and March 27
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Attendance:
Attendance at all sessions is required to complete the program successfully. Please apply ONLY if you can attend the dates and times listed above. Organizations that do not attend all sessions may not be eligible for future cohort programs.
Selection Criteria:
REQUIRED
- 501c3 status for at least one year
- Provide services to Anne Arundel County residents
- Administrative offices located in Anne Arundel County
- Agree to participate in all training sessions and complete assignments between sessions
- Has at least one paid staff member or a board member to oversee the project
- Agree to share outcome data to help the Nonprofit Center improve its programs/services
PREFERRED
- Addresses the social determinants of health in Anne Arundel County
- Provides services to underserved populations
- Has not participated in a NPC training cohort during the past 12 months
- Annual budget less than $500K
- Does not have a current/updated strategic plan
Application:
The application deadline has passed. Stay tuned for additional opportunities.
The application process for the Strategic Planning Cohort and the Grant Writing Cohort will run concurrently. Please note that an organization can apply for both programs using the same application but, if selected, will only be able to attend one of the two cohorts. Applicants will be asked to indicate their first choice.
Questions for both programs include:
- Organization Name
- Mailing Address
- Contact Name, Title, Email, Phone Number
- Website
- Organization's mission statement
- In what year was your organization founded?
- Does your organization have 501(c)3 status?
- What is your organization's annual budget?
- How many full-time, paid employees currently work for your organization?
- How many part-time, paid employees currently work for your organization?
- Is there anything else you would like us to consider in review of your application?
Additional questions for the strategic planning application include:
- Does your organization have a strategic plan?
- If yes, when was the last time it was updated?
- What conversations have you had with your board or staff about strategic planning in the last year?
- Do you have resources to hire a strategic planning consultant or do you plan to complete the process on your own?
Questions?
Contact Jennifer at nonprofitcenter@aacounty.org