Refreshing a Nonprofit Strategic Plan

Sometimes an organizational strategic plan needs an update rather than an overhaul. CGR recently assisted a Western New York nonprofit focused on early literacy with a refresh of its strategy.

Read to Succeed Buffalo’s (RTSB) 2022–2027 Strategic Plan established a strong foundation for advancing early literacy, expanding programming, strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion, and building sustainability. Since the plan was adopted, the environment in which RTSB operates continues to change.

CGR helped the organization assess these changes and identify strategic choices that could guide the organization through the remaining years of the current plan and beyond. We conducted interviews with funders, education leaders, early childhood partners, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders across Western New York. Based on stakeholder input and conversations with the RTSB board, CGR developed eight strategic choices in three areas – Sustainability, Succession Planning and Growth - for RTSB to consider. We then facilitated discussion with a subcommittee of the board about which choices to Do Now, Text/Explore, Hold for Later or Do Not Pursue and prepared a summary. The board is reviewing and carrying the work forward.

Learn more from Erika Rosenberg. 

October 8, 2026 CGR Briefs Edition