Strategic Plan for a Statewide Non-profit

Client Profile

Industry: Non-Profit

Category: Child Advocacy

Organization Size: 15+ staff; a coordinating body of 44 local programs who serve with thousands of volunteers statewide

Client/Organization: California Court Appointed Special Advocates (CA CASA)

Date/Duration: 2023

The Challenge

In 2023, EQ Collaborative partnered with CA CASA to develop a comprehensive three-year strategic plan designed to refine the organization’s mission, align it with new state funding opportunities, and address evolving policy needs related to supporting foster youth statewide. The project aimed to provide CA CASA with a clear and actionable roadmap for the next 1-3 years.  

Our Approach

EQ Collaborative guided CA CASA through a comprehensive strategic planning process focused on hearing extensively from the 44 local programs CA CASA coordinates as well as its Board. In accord with CASA’s needs and requests, our process emphasized continual stakeholder engagement, input, and feedback. We worked with CA CASA to establish a comprehensive three-year plan as well as providing best practices for monitoring progress and accountability toward organizational goals. We offered ongoing project management and support as CA CASA implemented the strategic plan.

The specific services we provided included:

  • Organizational Assessment

    • Conducted a thorough and detailed discovery phase.

    • Ensured alignment with the organization on project goals and best use of resources towards the strategic plan.

    • Conducted extensive document review of CA CASA’s past projects and policies.

    • Conducted in-depth interviews with the CA CASA leadership team and key stakeholders.

  • Stakeholder Engagement

    • Facilitated over 40 interviews, including internal and external stakeholders.

    • Led a Board strategic planning committee to gather diverse input. 

    • Led consistent and productive meetings with internal key stakeholders.

    • Maintained alignment for the final product with all key stakeholders.

  • Strategic Planning and Execution: 

    • Organized a two-day board retreat to co-create strategic goals and refine priorities.  

    • Produced final an actionable three-year strategic plan approved by the agency’s Board.

    • Created a preliminary key performance indicator program.