Every nonprofit needs a plan. But not every nonprofit needs a strategic plan.

Some nonprofits, particularly early-stage and small ones, are better off with a roadmap. A roadmap is a 12-to-18-month action plan that focuses on achieving a few goals.

A strategic plan is a much more complex project. It starts with identifying internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats, commonly called a SWOT analysis. After completing the SWOT, the organization can identify key priorities and an action plan for each priority.

NESC offers both roadmaps and strategic plans. A roadmap takes about three months, while a strategic plan requires six to nine months.