Two Not-for-Profit Agencies Develop a Shared Vision and Plan Their Future from the Future as Part of Their Ongoing Merger Integration
Company Profile:
- Two previously separate not-for-profit agencies who provide critical housing and financial assistance to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS
- Together, these agencies serve hundreds of clients a year throughout Los Angeles County
Business Challenge:
- Two agencies were almost two years into the process of merging their client services and core operations
- The organizations needed a skilled facilitator to lead representatives from both agencies through a process to set the strategic direction for the combined agency
Strategic Planning and Facilitation solutions provided include:
- Conducted individual interviews with select Board members to discuss their greatest successes of the past, any existing organizational challenges, and their individual visions for the future
- Facilitated group feedback sessions with several managers and staff to further assess the organizations’ strengths and better understand potential strategic directions for the combined agency
- Facilitated an offsite leadership retreat with Board members from both agencies to create a shared vision for the future and define a common set of core values for the new organization
- Established guiding principles for the combined agency, including strategic objectives for the Board, Staff, Clients, and broader Community, based on a three-year planning horizon
- Conducted follow-up working sessions with several Senior Staff to review the Board’s initial directives and prepare an operational plan with key milestones for each group across each of the three years; Refined the draft vision and mission during these sessions
- Led a final leadership retreat to review the new vision with the Board and have them approve the strategic and operational plans
Key Business Results:
- Defined new vision, mission, and values for the combined agency
- Developed a comprehensive strategic plan along with clear operational goals for Senior Staff to execute over the next three years
- Instilled renewed commitment and a strong sense of stewardship for the combined organization’s success with dedicated leaders and an aligned Board
