CNC Strategic Planning & Mission Alignment Flashcards

What is a 'balanced scorecard' in nonprofit strategic management?

Answer: A performance management framework that measures organizational success across multiple dimensions

A balanced scorecard measures organizational performance across multiple dimensions including financial health, stakeholder satisfaction, internal processes, and learning/growth.

Which document typically translates a multi-year strategic plan into annual operational activities?

Answer: Annual operating plan or work plan

An annual operating plan or work plan translates strategic goals into specific activities, timelines, and responsibilities for a given year.

What is 'environmental scanning' in nonprofit strategic planning?

Answer: Monitoring external trends and factors that could affect the organization

Environmental scanning involves systematically monitoring external trends, developments, and factors that could impact the organization's work and effectiveness.

In strategic planning, what is a 'stretch goal'?

Answer: A goal that requires significant effort and possibly new capabilities to achieve

A stretch goal is an ambitious objective that requires significant effort, innovation, or resource development to achieve, pushing the organization beyond its comfort zone.

What is the primary role of key performance indicators (KPIs) in a nonprofit strategic plan?

Answer: To measure progress toward strategic goals

KPIs are measurable metrics that allow nonprofits to track progress toward strategic goals and assess whether the organization is on course.

What does 'mission alignment' mean in organizational decision-making?

Answer: Evaluating whether activities, programs, and partnerships are consistent with the organization's core purpose

Mission alignment means evaluating every activity, program, and partnership against the organization's core purpose to ensure consistency and strategic focus.