Nonprofit Strategy for

Complex and Uncertain Times

Linear, mechanistic, control-based strategy is a poor fit for complex and uncertain contexts.

Operating fluidly across two planes of strategy helps nonprofit organizations (A) build shared orientation amidst uncertainty and difference and (B) move strategically through complexity and tension.

Framework illustrating two planes of nonprofit strategy: strategy development (shared orientation amidst uncertainty and difference) and strategic management (moving strategically through complexity and tension).

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT
Shared orientation amidst uncertainty and difference

Purpose: Why are we here?

Beliefs and Values: Names the values underlying the notion that the current state of the world is unacceptable.

Vision: Describes the compelling future rooted in an organization’s values ⤴️ that the organization is fighting for.

Mission: Defines the organization’s unique contribution to that fight ⤴️.

Analysis: What’s our strategic challenge?

Diagnosis: Frames the challenge an organization must overcome to fulfill its unique contribution ⤴️, and the superpower positioning it to make a difference.

Theory of Change: Presents a perspective on how the organization can overcome the strategic challenge ⤴️ with the help of its superpower.

Response: How will we show up to overcome the strategic challenge?

Value Proposition: Identifies the core stakeholders an organization must engage to fulfill the theory of change ⤴️ and describes the unique value the organization’s superpower offers to those stakeholders.

Program or Service Model: Articulates the programming and/or services through which the organization will deliver that value proposition ⤴️.

Operating Model: Outlines the organizational form that best supports the program/service model ⤴️.

Business Model: Aligns appropriate funding types and sources to the program and operating model ⤴️.

Roadmap: Sketches the organization’s multi-year journey to fully embody its value proposition, program model, operating model, and business model ⤴️.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
Moving strategically through complexity and tension

Strategic Coordination: Embedding strategic thinking and action in everyday management.

Strategy Adaptation: Sensing, orienting, and adapting to evolving conditions.

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