How New Nonprofit CEOs Secure Board Buy-In for Strategic Planning
Making the Board Case for Strategic Planning for New Nonprofit CEO
You fought for this role—and the salary to match. Now, months in, you see bigger challenges than expected. You need a strategic planning process, but the budget is tight. What if the board sees this ask as a weakness? What if they just tell you to ‘figure it out’—without resources? You weren’t hired to keep the lights on; you came to lead this nonprofit to new heights. But how do you get your board to see it?
7 Steps to Winning Board Support for a Nonprofit Strategic Planning Process
1. Start with the Right Mindset
- You’re not asking for a favor—you’re leading.
- Strategy isn’t an expense; it’s an investment and a safeguard against waste.
- Effective boards respect confidence and seek leadership not permission-seeking.
Opening
“We need to make sure we are aligned. Since stepping into this role, I’ve seen our complex challenges. A strategic planning process and a clear strategy will help us move in sync to new heights—efficiently and effectively.”
2. Understand the Board’s Strategic Planning Concerns
- Budget fears: “Can we afford this?”
- Trust issues: “Does the new CEO really need this, or are they just unsure?”
- Short-term focus: “We’re barely keeping up—why plan for the long term now?”
- Misconceptions: “Strategy is just a fancy document; we need action.” Hint: Watch Strategy for Strategic Planning Haters.
- You can do it: “The executive director always figured it out.”
Handling the “You Figure It Out” Objection
“Some things I solve on the fly, but making major decisions without a strategic framework often leads to reactive choices that cost more in the long run. And this is about what we want to do. We need to have a plan to win, not just putting out fires.”
- Find a board ally who sees the need and can advocate alongside you.
3. Position Strategic Planning as an Investment
- Connect your request to board priorities (e.g., financial sustainability, growth, results).
- Show how not having a strategy results in missed opportunities and wasted resources.
- Since nonprofit budgets are tight, frame it as an investment in efficiency, clarity, and short and long-term success.
4. Build Your Case with Data and Stories
- Use examples of similar nonprofits that saw major shifts after investing in strategy.
- Share real numbers: How much misalignment is costing now in lost funding, staff turnover, or other inefficiencies. (See quotes and data below.)
- Identify the budget source.
Addressing the Budget Concern
“We watch every dollar, and I take that responsibility seriously. That’s why I want to invest in a process that prevents wasted effort, ensures we pursue the right opportunities, and aligns our resources where they’ll have the best return.”
5. Ask with Confidence
Asking
“I’d like to discuss options for investing in strategic guidance—whether that’s a full plan, targeted coaching, or a phased approach. The goal isn’t just to have a document—it’s to have a shared, board-supported roadmap for making decisions.“
- Keep it concise and clear—avoid long and vague requests.
- Present options (e.g., full plan vs. phased approach vs. strategic coaching).
- Anticipate objections and have responses ready.
- End with a clear next step (e.g., a vote, budget range, and start date.)
6. Alternative Paths
- Start small: Fund a light version through discretionary funds or a grant.
- Get external buy-in: Invite funders or stakeholders to show need.
- Invest in coaching: If a full strategic planning process isn’t feasible now, strategic coaching provides clarity and benefits.
7. The Takeaways
- You’re not just asking for a plan—you’re leading forward.
- Need help preparing? Let’s talk.
‘I’m over the moon. The Nonprofit Strategic Plan immediately opened doors and started conversations. The Plan’s robust and detailed.”
Dr. Nashid Madyun, CEO, Florida Humanities
Strategic Planning Case Resources
AI Prompt: Draft Your Case
Use this AI prompt to generate a custom script:
I am a new nonprofit CEO with this [mission] preparing to ask my board to invest in strategic planning.
The board is concerned about [the budget, uncertainty about needs, etc]. I want to make a strong, confident case that investing in strategy to help us address [list issues] and take advantage of these [opportunities].
You are an expert at team cohesion. I need a persuasive, 5-minute case that acknowledges concerns, positions strategy as a cost-saving investment and includes a clear call to action.
Keep it concise, compelling, and easy to present in 5 minutes.
If needed what are the top 3-5 questions you need to tailor this?
Quotes and Data
“Having a good strategy increases your nonprofit’s chances of attaining its goals. It also provides employees, donors, and volunteers with a framework to work with and keeps them motivated throughout the process” North Carolina Center for Nonprofits
“A primary responsibility of a nonprofit board of directors is to set direction for the organization they serve through strategic planning” BoardSource
According to a study highlighted by Nonprofit Pro, 86 percent of nonprofits found having a strategic plan significantly increases fundraising success.
More Strategy Quotes: Praxie.com
