Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 12 tasks across 4 phases, about 24 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
Stakeholder surveys and interviews
Environmental and competitor scan
Performance review of current plan
Leadership retreat
Priorities and goals
Draft strategic plan
Staff and stakeholder feedback
Board review and approval
Translate goals into team plans
Communicate the plan
First quarter of execution
First quarterly review
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gather | Stakeholder surveys and interviews | 14 days |
| Gather | Environmental and competitor scan | 10 days |
| Gather | Performance review of current plan | 5 days |
| Decide | Leadership retreat | 2 days |
| Decide | Priorities and goals | 7 days |
| Decide | Draft strategic plan | 10 days |
| Decide | Staff and stakeholder feedback | 7 days |
| Approve | Board review and approval | 7 days |
| Approve | Translate goals into team plans | 10 days |
| Review | Communicate the plan | 3 days |
| Review | First quarter of execution | 90 days |
| Review | First quarterly review | 1 day |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this strategic planning process
Strategic plans fail quietly when they are approved and filed. This timeline covers the process of making the plan — input, analysis, a leadership retreat, drafting and approval — and puts the first quarterly review on the chart.
It fits companies and nonprofits building a multi-year plan.
Who it's for: Executive directors, CEOs, strategy leads and board chairs.
How to use it
- Open the plan. Click Open in the editor.
- Fit your board calendar. Adjust durations so board review lands on a scheduled board meeting.
- Assign owners. Give each row an owner on the leadership team.
- Share with the board. Send a read-only link for board updates.
Planning tips
- Gather input before the retreat so the discussion starts from evidence.
- Limit priorities to a few the organization can fund.
- Schedule the first review before the plan is published.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does strategic planning take?
- The planning steps in this template take about two and a half months in sequence; the chart then runs through the first quarter of execution to the first quarterly review.
- Can I track the plan's goals here?
- Yes. After approval, open a new plan with each goal's initiatives as tasks.
- Is it free?
- Yes. Opening and editing the template is free.
Related templates
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