Projects
Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association
Board retreat brings focus to plan for growth and sustainability.
Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association
Project Details
We designed and facilitated a strategic planning board retreat for the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association.
During the retreat the Board conducted an environmental scan to help provide context around various issues that could impact their planning. Following this exercise, we led the Board in a SOAR analysis (strengths, opportunities, aspirations, results). This analysis served to narrow the strategic plan discussions. The Board then reviewed draft vision and mission statements and prioritized strategic directions and associated goals as suggested by the Planning Team.
The session generated an overall framework for an action-oriented strategic plan. The Board left the session excited about the fundamental, core strategies that will inspire growth and guide their work through 2022.
Amish Country of Central Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau
Strategic planning session brings together partners for visioning.
Amish Country of Central Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau
Project Details
We designed and facilitated a strategic planning session for the Amish Country of Central Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau with representatives from four communities in two counties in central Illinois. Stakeholders included staff and board members from area Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, and tourism offices.
The session consisted of facilitated table discussions allowing for brainstorming and idea-generation. We then organized information into categories that allowed the group to set higher-level goals and develop implementation timelines.
The session generated a basic framework for a action-oriented strategic plan that partners used to guide activities for a two-year period. Participants left the session energized and able to communicate with local stakeholders about joint efforts to increase tourism.
United Way of Coles County
Board restructuring leads to increased engagement and impact.
United Way of Coles County
Project Details
We worked with the Board of Directors for the United Way of Coles County over a six month period to help increase their governance capacity. We completed an environmental scan that triggered a Board restructuring, reducing the number of Directors and adding an advisory group.
Next, we delivered Board Development training that resulted in increased knowledge of individual roles and responsibilities. Board members felt more cohesive as a team and able to openly ask question and discuss solutions once everyone was on the same page. During this phase of the project, we reviewed bylaws and other governing documents.
Finally, we designed a session to discover strengths and barriers in the fundraising process. Ultimately, we designed a new fundraising structure that created clear charges for volunteers and measurable goals.
Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and Illinois Foot Health Education Foundation
Association develops educational outreach programs through new foundation.
Illinois Podiatric Medical Association and Illinois Foot Health Education Foundation
Project Details
We worked with the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association of the revitalization of their educational foundation, the Illinois Foot Health Education Foundation. This consisted of several phases over two years to review and update governance documents, on-board a new Foundation Board, and establish operations.
Key to this process was a day-long Board retreat to establish vision, mission, and strategic direction. We designed and facilitated this retreat, which resulted in a three-year strategic plan for operations, programs, and fundraising.
In phase two, we helped with program design and prospect research, especially helping to uncover potential grants. We worked with IPMA staff to write case statements and program outlines to reach out to the general public and also provide continuing medical education for members and prospective members.
In the final phase, we developed a transition plan and trained IPMA staff to take over Foundation operations to carry out the remainder of the activities in the strategic plan.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Effingham County
Strategic planning session helps organization scale.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Effingham County
Project Details
We helped Mid Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters increase program activity in Effingham County through a facilitated planning session with stakeholders. During a day-long retreat, stakeholders evaluated current plan scale and success, discussed expansion opportunities, and brainstormed activities to make their dreams a reality.
The session ended with a environmental scan that helped clarify priorities and actions leading to expanded programs. As a result, we developed a process-oriented strategic plan that designated key milestones as the program expanded over a two-year period.