Why plan?

You may think that you simply don’t have time to plan. Running things on a day to day basis takes up most of your time and you assume that everyone in your organisation understands what you do and where you want to go. However, we work in a dynamic environment with frequent changes to working practices, policies and legislation and new funding options being made available to the sector.

Planning will help your organisation set a direction for the future and how best to get there. It can:

• Provide a clear sense of purpose for your organisation
• Help to identify priorities and objectives
• Help to prepare a fundraising plan and manage cash flow
• Identify what resources are needed e.g. money, personnel, office space, skills, equipment and how to use them most efficiently
• Help to anticipate change and manage risk
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of your work