IN-PERSON.  Our experience is that strategic planning is the one part of our work that can only be done effectively in-person.  Participants need high levels of engagement and they need to really be able to communicate well with each other in a facilitated session.  Of course, we often use online tools to gain feedback from larger groups of stakeholders as well.

OUR PROCESS BRINGS TOGETHER YOUR BOARD & STAFF.  The key to creating a great (actually useable!) Plan is to involve as many of your Board and staff as possible.   We make the process engaging and empowering for everyone in the room, and we promise your participants will have fun while they strengthen their bonds as a team.

TWO DATE PROCESS.  Nonprofit Boards wonder if they should involve a lot of their staff in creating their Strategic Plan.  A resounding “Yes” (as many as possible) !  You truly need: (1) their expertise up-front; and (2) their buy-in later on.  On Day 1 of our process the Board & Staff work together in small, intentionally-mixed groups, and then as one large group (up to 35 persons) to locate the overall 3-Year Priorities and Strategies.  Day 2 occurs within 60 days of Day 1 with a smaller group of staff and the Board.  (Note: for large organizations we often add one or more additional session).

WE CREATE A LIVING DOCUMENT YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE.   You can update/delete/ change content in minutes.   We use our own colour-coded, graphically pleasing template.  Arrange a free zoom call with David either using our online contract form (click here) or send a quick email to: david@nonprofithelp.ca

OUR FOUR PROMISES FOR OUR FULL STRATEGIC PLANS:

  • an energizing, engaging and efficient process that will strengthen your Board and Staff and their relationship together (governance boards should work with staff on strategy!)
  • a “living” document that can be easily amended with the realities of a nonprofit world and updated to show progress to the Board and other stakeholders
  • 3 to 7 strategic priorities for the 3 year plan, each with the following: (1) current state
    [how things are now]; (2) future state [specific, measurable, mission-focused goals]; (3) strategies to go from current to future state; (4) year 1, 2 and 3 projected activities; (5) who will be leading each 
  • graphically-pleasing document with 5 colour-coding to show progress over time and customized graphics
  • SCROLL DOWN BELOW TO SEE PRICING PACKAGES.

Stratford Family Health Team “I have been doing strategic plans with organizations for over 20 years in 2 countries and this is the best process that I have ever gone through. It is fast, it is kinetic, it is highly engaging, and your process of weighted scoring to reach priorities is excellent.” Claudia Mior, Executive Director 

Helping Hands  “I appreciate all your help and masterful facilitation.” Doug Rawson, Executive Director, Orillia/Barrie/Muskoka ON

Queen Square FHT & FHO “David has been instrumental in our 2024-2027 strategic planning process and has done an amazing job of engaging both staff and physicians. We love his practical approach and his tenacity to help us get to what really matters in our plan.”  Steve Sheldrick, C.E.O. 

Association of Fundraising Professionals (Canada) “David is a master of engagement. In a well-designed session, he helped an opinionated group with a wide range of experiences and perspectives coalesce around a plan and priorities that everyone felt proud of and vested in.”  Ken Mayhew, President & CEO William Osler Health System Foundation 

Skills Upgrading Centre (Literacy Council York-Simcoe) “David guided us with enthusiasm, humour and realistic expectations… Bravo David!  This is not your typical Strategic Planning process. It explores, excites and excels in getting results!.  It was a tremendous help for me, and I am excited to start with new perspectives and goals.  It was a pleasure working with you (and also Amanda behind-the-scenes).”  Trisha Patrick, Executive Director

Markham Family Health Team  “David’s energy and enthusiasm for strategic planning inspired us to step back from our daily operations and deeply engage in planning for the important work we need to do. We have developed priorities to better position us to meet our patients’ primary care needs as a result of his facilitation.”  Raj Sohi, Executive Director

Dufferin Area Mental Health Summit (67 mental health leaders creating Strategy) “Normally by 3pm, of any full day session, I am tired and ready to go home.  At David’s event I had more energy than at the start of the day.” Sharon Mayne, Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin

Invasive Species Centre “David’s energy, knowledge, and skill helped our not-for-profit Board, ex-officios and staff work together to generate and refine great ideas that will be the focus of our updated, exciting strategic plan. It was an exhilarating, action-packed experience! If your Board or organization needs a catalyst for change you will be amazed by what he can do!” Kandyd Szuba, PhD, RPF, Board President

Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre “It was everything I expected and more.”  Kim Connors, Executive Director.   [Quote from one participant: “As an outsider you asked questions no one else would, forced us to look at things from a different perspective.  It went very well, the group responded well, they appreciated the way it was led, that you kept everyone on task” Brian Wiens, Director of Operations and Planning, Natural Resources Canada.]

First Step Women’s Shelter “I’ve had the privilege of being a part of a Strategic Planning and Board training [process] conducted by David Hartley.  I’ve been involved in a number of similar sessions over the years.  This was by far the best ! The materials were relevant, practical and colourful.  David’s style and presentation kept me fully engaged over the course of a day and half.  Best of all, our organization ended up with very practical documents and action plans that we will actually be able to implement.  I recommend to any size non-profit organization”.  Andreas Asmus, Director General – Legal Aid Ontario, Northwest District (and Vice-Chair of First Step Women’s Shelter, Sioux Lookout, ON)

Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council  “Very positive comments both from [our] SMT & Staff.  Everyone was grateful to be included in the process, but really zeroed in on the opportunity to meet and get to know the Board – and achieving Authentic ‘buy-in’!  … I also made a point of eating with the staff today and received many positive comments, positive and unsolicited – by all accounts … productive, engaging, fun and valuable team building day [process].”  Stephen Ashworth, President & CEO 

Discovery Childrens Centre “Thanks for bringing your energy, humour, and skill to our day of Strategic planning.‎ The staff, Board, and management team all enjoyed the time immensely. We laughed, challenged each other, dreamed, which led to great outcomes including a more cohesive team.”  Ron Blatz, Executive Director, Winnipeg

St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation  “Phenomenal, fun, bonding [for all of our stakeholders involved] and educational.”  Krista Linklater, Executive Director

REBOUND (Youth Centre) “Thanks so much David !!  [The final Strategic Plan document] It all looks FABULOUS!!” Carrie McEachran, Executive Director, Sarnia-Lambton 

Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy “Our strategic planning sessions were phenomenal.  David was very practical, he kept us motivated and energized throughout.  We created a plan that was not only visionary but achievable.   Our previous plans always required almost immediate revision.  This one is a lot more focused and strategic.”  Barbara Thomas, Board President, (and President Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Pharmacy Board)               

Harrow Family Health Team “I am incredibly pleased with your recent facilitation of the our strategic planning session.  You are energetic and you made the session entertaining yet productive and focused. Your ability to relax the group and to motivate everybody to fully participate was impressive. I have attended a number of strategic planning sessions over the years and your efforts on our behalf exceeded all expectations. You did a stellar job!”  Merrill Baker, Board Chair,  (Windsor Ontario lawyer with Sorensen Baker Professional Corporation)                    

St. John Ambulance – York Region Branch “Thank you so much for your work with us. We’re delighted with our Strategic Plan.  Our key volunteers appreciated having input and will be more invested in helping us achieve our goals, and our staff took their great suggestions and ideas and moulded them into achievable goals. We have a smart direction for our next five years and we’re looking forward to the journey!  Hope to work with you again in the future.”  Lynn McLarnon, Executive Director

Humane Society Saulte Ste. Marie “Thank you again for the great work! The Board and staff all really enjoyed the strategy sessions.”  Michael Melville, Senior Risk Manager OLG and Board Member.

Stratford House of Blessing (Food Bank)  “David has the ability to engage staff, board and volunteers in a fun and guided way.  Our strategic plan will be a path to achieve a new level of care and support within our organization and community.  Thank you David for your ability to bring rejuvenation to us all.  Going forward we have some great tools to empower Stratford House of Blessing.”  Theresa McMurray, Executive Director

Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance “CADDRA now has a new Strategic Plan that encapsulates the Board’s vision and goals AND provides a practical framework for their achievement. David’s guidance was invaluable. Not only did he create a safe space for board and staff to share their ideas, he ensured the whole process was a great – and fun – learning experience.”  Niamh McGarry, Executive Director

Taddle Creek Family Health Team “David helped us zone in on what is important to us in our strategic plan.  He facilitated an inclusive, energetic and meaningful strategic planning process in which 96% of the [over 40] staff and physicians rated as good to a very good use of their time.  He has the ability to engage a group in a warm yet direct manner infusing humour to keep everyone alert and involved.  He is very professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.  We are looking forward to implementing our plan immediately.  [And as far as the final Strategic Plan document] I love the visuals and the one page per year approach.”  Sherry Kennedy, Executive Director, (Bay/Bloor Streets), Toronto 

2) TWO DAYS – MORE DETAIL 

Let’s create your nonprofit’s first or 3rd or 20th strategic plan together!

  • Our goal is to have as many of your staff and Board (and any other key volunteers) as possible touch & impact your Strategic Plan’s priorities.  We do that in Stage One (setting priorities).  This first session is incredibly engaging (with 15-30 minutes of “homework” all participants are asked but not expected to complete in advance) culminating with a series of colourful votes providing us with a core list of 3-5 key big goals.  In stage one I prefer to get everyone together for one day (or two or more half day sessions).  In stage two and three we can shrink to a core group.
  • Total time:  If you have been through an exhausting strategic planning process and don’t want to do it again, this is for you.  Most often I have groups either for 2 days back-to-back (which saves on travel costs but is more intense), or 2 days spread out over 2 months.
  • The final document is alive and you’ll love the graphics and progression colour coding:  With customized graphics, your plan will be a “living document” that you can amend/update very simply at any time.  Clear goals, clear strategies, clear annual activities.

3a) OUR 2025 FEES –  FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH UP TO 35 DAY ONE PARTICIPANTS:

  • Our Core Product (A1) – $7950 (fee has not changed since 2018):  a 2 date process with a completed Strategic Plan including customized graphics.   Date 1 we ask you to try and include all staff, board, and a few others (e.g. critical volunteers/ stakeholders).  Date 2 we have a smaller core group (including the Board for the morning) to finalize detail.  We suggest having the 2 dates spread out over 30 to 60 days (not back-to-back), however if you wish we can do dates back-to-back dates.  then see 3-c for additional costs.
  • Optional add-on (A2).   In January 2024 we added this, now popular option, a 1-page summary of our core product which clients are putting on their websites as a graphically-pleasing, outward-facing synopsis of internal-facing main product (A1).   Total additional fee for clients: $850.
  • Optional Add-on (A3).  In the Fall of 2022 we added this, now popular option, for clients who want to add an extra in-person date for David to talk in-person to up to 50 of our your clients/ patients/ members.  This day would occur in advance of A1 so that we start by listening to your clients/patients/ members.  In this day we normally have up to 25 clients / members / patients in an afternoon session and another group of 25 in an evening session (for those who aren’t available during the day).  We also add an online survey in advance of this in-person dates, so that we reach as many clients / patients / members as we can through a few smart questions.  Total additional fee for clients (including pre-work and summaries) who add A3:  $3500.

3b) OUR 2025 FEES (pre-COVID pricing held):  FOR ORGANIZATIONS WITH MORE THAN 35 DAY ONE PARTICIPANTS (REQUIRING MORE THAN 2 TOTAL IN-PERSON DATES FOR A1): 

  • Option B – The process (and hours needed by us) changes somewhat based on the complexity and size of the organization.  The fee will depend on several factors, please email David to set up a virtual call.

3c) ADDITIONAL COSTS: 

  • Extended Travel:  If your location is more than 4 hours travel time (there and back) from our location (near Pickering, Ontario) and/or requires an over-night stay, we increase our fee based on actual travel time.  To date, David has worked with organizations in over 170 Canadian towns. [Note: If there are travel delays (e.g. due to inclement weather) we do not add to this surcharge, so you know your fee will not change].  
  • HST/GST & Travel costs are in addition:   David has assisted nonprofits/charities in over 200 Canadian towns since 2007 in every province, the Yukon and N.W.T.
  • Option A with “Back-to-back 2 Days”: We really only suggest this if the travel costs are a barrier to spreading the 2 dates apart.  Because of the intensity of the work we must complete in the evening between the two back-to-back days we charge a surcharge of $500.
  • Option A or C with “Split Days”: There are some organizations which cannot close their offices down for “Day One”, so we need to hold two half-day sessions in that day (half of group in each).  Because of the additional work this creates for Step 2 we have a $750 surcharge.
  • Saturdays:  We do hold sessions on weekends, but as with training there is an additional cost.
  • Unique Situations:  There are organizations, that because of their complexity, or because it is a last-minute planning process, that we will charge more than the above rates.  *And we may charge for first call where we generally do not do that.
  • Large charities & health facilities (over $5 million in annual expenses OR over 50 FTE employees) AND Government/Municipal AND for-profit organizations:  We have customized rates which will be higher than our normal rates listed above.  We will customize the preparation and the content to fit your needs.

4) BOOK A ZOOM CALL WITH DAVID:

Arrange this with David either using our online contract form (click here) or send a quick email to: david@nonprofithelp.ca    Thank you, have a terrific day.