Framework for Basic Nonprofit Program Structural Design

Description

The following framework will guide you through design of the basic overall structure for a nonprofit program. Nonprofit management can reference this structure when planning program resources and budgets, staffing and operational procedures to provide services to clients.

Resources and basic questions to fill in each section of the framework are referenced in

Readers are encouraged to work with a planning team in their organization to fill in this framework. After completing this framework, readers can move information from the framework to a more suitable document to be the final version of the plan document, if desired.

[NAME OF YOUR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION!]

STRUCTURAL DESIGN FOR

[name of program!]

[date!]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Purpose of Program Structural Design

Program Outcomes

Program Goals

Program Strategies

Program Objectives, Responsibilities and Timelines

Purpose of Program Structural Design

The structural design is the "skeleton" on which the nonprofit program is designed. Nonprofit management can reference this structure when planning program resources and budgets, staffing and operational procedures to provide services to clients.

The "skeleton" is comprised of the program goals, strategies and objectives, which should follow directly from the goals, strategies and objectives produced during strategic planning. The program goals are selected in order to accomplish certain benefits, or outcomes, for clients.

The goals, outcomes, strategies and objectives are a major portion of the program plan. This plan usually also includes description of resources needed to achieve the goals and objectives, and the funding necessary to obtain and use the resources. Required resources usually includes human resources, which are often described in terms of necessary skills and capabilities. The necessary funding is often depicted in the form of a program budget.

Program strategies are usually carefully described in the form of descriptions of methods to deliver services to clients.

Program Goal(s)

Each program should be intended to achieve at least one of the strategic goals, and may achieve more. List the strategic goal(s) to be accomplished by this program. Write goals to be "SMARTER", that is, specific, measurable, acceptable to those achieving the goals, realistic, timely, extending the capabilities of those achieving the goals and rewarding to them, as well.

Example Program Goal #1: Support at least 600 drop-outs from Minneapolis high schools to obtain diplomas or equivalent levels of certification

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Program Outcome(s)

Program goals are intended to accomplish certain benefits, or outcomes, for clients. List the outcomes intended from the program. Note that outcomes are not always directly associated with a specific goal, but may be accomplished across several goals.

Example Outcome #1 -- Drop-outs from Minneapolis high schools obtain high school diplomas or equivalent levels of certification
Example Outcome #2 -- Within three months after getting certification, participants obtain at least half-time employment or enroll in an accredited program to further their education