Strategies for Success

Any person or organization can have an idea about how to benefit the community or a specific group of people. What separates a mere great idea into a comprehensive strategy that builds a successful organization is purposeful planning for sustainability. 

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 Strategic Steps 

PHASE I

• Idea;
• Research Idea;
• Research Community Need, Support, Investment, Existing Programs, Funding, Staffing, Governance;
• Determine legal requirements;
• Generate start-up funding.

PHASE II

• Draft initial plan, taking into account the time required, mix of people, research needed, finances necessary, etc.;
• Draft initial bylaws that are compliant with state and federal laws and requirements;
• Identify initial organization leaders;
• Identify appropriate legal and tax professionals;
• Determine appropriate legal formation and file requisite tax documents.

PHASE III

• Begin draft of strategic plan;
• Recruit formal Board of Directors;
• Develop Corporate Governance policies and training;
• Hire or identify staff and create human resources policies and procedures;
• Develop and implement fund development plan, including accounting, audit, record-keeping, and tax filing processes and procedures.

PHASE IV

• Create and implement marketing and community outreach plan, including corporate branding with logo, slogan, mission, vision, and goal statements and advertising;
• Begin planning of signature fundraising event with dedicated timelines;
  
• Facilitate first/annual meeting of Board of Directors meeting, as required by law;
• Finalize staff and roles; form Board of Director subcommittees, if appropriate;
• Ensure all staff and Directors are trained on their corporate governance responsibilities.

PHASE V

• Begin Operations
• Continue to facilitate fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and development plans
• Host First Annual Signature Event