The Nonprofit Edge: A Conversation with Rebecca Alvarez - Episode 14

The Nonprofit Edge | Best Practices in Strategic Planning for Nonprofits Guest: Rebecca Alvarez, Co-Founder and Principal, NP Strategies Strategic planning is one of the most important responsibilities of nonprofit leadership. Yet too often, plans are created with great enthusiasm and then quietly shelved. In this episode of The Nonprofit Edge, Chris Looney sits down with Rebecca Alvarez to explore what actually makes a strategic plan effective and why so many fail to gain traction. Rebecca challenges the idea that a strategic plan should simply be a detailed to-do list. Instead, she reframes it as a clear direction, a shared vision, and a decision-making framework that guides leaders through uncertainty. In this conversation, you will learn: Why many strategic plans fail before implementation even begins The difference between a task list and true strategic direction How to determine the right number of organizational priorities The role of the board versus staff in planning and execution Why clarity and simplicity matter more than length How to balance aspiration with organizational capacity Why three-year plans are often more effective than five-year roadmaps How to build a culture that sees the plan as a living guide rather than a rigid checklist Rebecca also shares powerful insights for executive directors and CEOs about asking the right questions before the planning process even begins. If your organization is approaching a new planning cycle or struggling to activate a current plan, this episode offers practical guidance that will help you think differently about strategy. Subscribe, share with your board chair or leadership team, and continue strengthening your nonprofit edge.